The Washington times. (Washington [D.C.]) 1901-1902, 1902-02-23

1t had become a great scandal how the
kings highway from London to Cambridge
was no longer safe. Many were the gen
tlemen OF quality that did pass that way,
and fine ladies', together with many stu
dents of the university going to and fro.
And of late not week had passed but
that it was spoken abroad how a coach or
a rider had been stopped upon the road,
and to the great loss in gold and articles
of value of those who had been waylaid.
As rumor had it. it was one man who
did these acts of outrage, and it was
wonder to all that one man could thus
work his will and ne'er be harmed.
Thereupon was a public proclamation
offer to him who should capture the body
of this man, dead or alive, reward of
hundred pounds
Now. there was one Dave Blackshaw. an
idle and riotous journeyman, an armorer
by trade, who heard some of these things;
and being more fitted for idle adventure
than honest labor. he did bcthink him
what a fine thing it would be for him to
catch this willy outlaw and put fat hun
So betimes Dave Blackshaw did fill
his purse with the wherewithal to fit
him out suitably and he did besides
learn many things about this man, which
he did put together in his own mind. to
| his special use and guidance.
So when his certain preparations had
cecn made, there did appear at one of
the inns in London town, where there
was much traffic from Cambridge way,
young gallant of very fair speech and
surface, well clothed and of such APP
it was Dave Blackshaw.
On he rode past Ware, where he tar
ried overnight, and even to Puckerbridge,
which is near Cambridge-all without
harm or molestation. But this was as
David had expected, and he rode straight
to the Blue Cock Inn, in that town, and
with stout heart, promising himself
gallant adventure on the morrow.
Out to the door of the Blue Cock there
cane the Iandlord-an ill-favored looking
varlet, if ever there were such, but ready
enough with smirks and smiles and prom
ises OF good cheer.
Right royalty did David sup that night,
discoursing the while with this same
landlord, who was not aback in making
some enquiry as TO what his guest might
he doing in these parts and what his
condition. To which David answered. as
if TO conceal his real condition, yet by
other ways to let it be known that he was
not lacking whercwith to purchase the
best when he had mind.
Then betimes to his chamber, where
he was fit to sleep we'll, but that he had
a dream that the landlord did saddle
horse and ride away with all haste at
midnight.
But, be this as it may, he of the Blue
Cock was in his place when day broke !
and greeted Dave right cheerfully
Sir said he, there is gentleman
come last night, when you were abed,
would fain know you and travel in your
company as far as Cambridge
Il like that not" said Dave My |
thoughts are bent 10 serious matters /
which l must needs ponder deeply, and
the fellow would be but irksome."
But look you sir it would be but
mercy. which such a gallant gentleman
could well afford. TO give your company
to this fellow, as you well say, from this [
to Cambridge
Wherefore a mercy?"
He is but timid and coward person,
methinks, and fears to brave the way
alone, because that report saith some
thing of a robber in these parts who doth
infest the road"
"A robber?" quoth Dave. you give me
cheerful news. Know you aught OF this /.
report?"
I'm good truth, it doth not lie" replied /
the landlord. There was such an one
who did dip into full purses for a while, /
to the great despoil of trade hereby: but .
since the hue and cry is out, he hath not
been seen, and has gone, nIethinks. to
some other place.
Then why this towards fear? Hast
thou not told him that the man is gomez"
Aye, that l did, many times But he
would not be quieted OF his trouble until /
he was well filed with strong ale. which
did improve his courage-or abate his
fear"
Say you not he did arrive at night?'
aye, at midnight
How came he, then, abroad upon the