The 'squire had pistols in the
pockets of the coach, and resolved to make use of them directly;
but he was effectually prevented by his female companions, who
flung themselves about his neck, and screamed in concert -- At that
instant, who should come up at a hand-gallop, but Martin, the
highway-man, who, advancing to the coach, begged the ladies would
compose themselves for a moment then, desiring Clinker to follow
him to the charge, he pulled a pistol out of his bosom, and they
rode up together to give battle to the rogues, who, having fired
at a great distance, fled across the common. They were in pursuit
of the fugitives when I came up, not a little alarmed at the
shrieks in the coach, where I found my uncle in a violent rage,
without his periwig, struggling to disentangle himself from Tabby
and the other two, and swearing with great vociferation. Before I
had time to interpose, Martin and Clinker returned from the
pursuit, and the former payed his compliments with great
politeness, giving us to understand, that the fellows had
scampered off, and that he believed they were a couple of raw
'prentices from London. He commended Clinker for his courage, and
said, if we would give him leave, he would have the honour to
accompany us as far as Stevenage, where he had some business.
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