Mr. Barnes had a fixed mask-like countenance, his bushy eyebrows almost
met in a wrinkle that told of thought and deep calculation. He was
clean-shaven, and his chin was swathed in a huge neckcloth of white
muslin; he wore his hat low on his brow.
"I like not to be out so late on the high road," said he very suddenly,
so that both Mr. Ives and Mistress Mary Jones started, and Betty, whom
nothing ever startled, turned her great blue eyes inquiringly on him.
"Why, sir?" she asked.
"Why, my good young lady, because the Newbury sales are just over, and
it is well known that the stock reared on Belford home farm has sold
well"
"Are the roads not safe then, sir?" asked Mr. Ives rather anxiously.
"I do not quite say that, for it is many a long day since the coach was
attacked between Newbury and Wancote; but rumour has been busy."
"Ha!" cried Betty, sitting upright eagerly.
"It is said that Wild Jack Barnstaple has been heard of in the
neighbourhood."
"Heaven help us!" shrieked Mary Jones.
"Be calm, I entreat you, my dear madam, and have pity on my unfortunate
toes! Zounds! it is torture enough to be subject to periodical gout,
without such an infliction as the stamp of a lady's fashionable heel on
the tender place."
"But you say Wild Jack is in the neighbourhood! Oh Heaven! what will
become of us!"
Betty's blooming cheek had turned just a faint shade paler, but the
rosy colour came rushing back, her eyes flashed.
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