During the last few yards, Sir Norman had come within sight of
another horseman, riding on at rather a leisurely pace,
considering the place and the hour. Suddenly three other
horsemen came galloping down upon him, and the leader presenting
a pistol at his head, requested him in a stentorial voice for his
money or his life. By way of reply, the stranger instantly
produced a pistol of his own, and before the astonished
highwayman could comprehend the possibility of such an act,
discharged it full in his face. With a loud yell the robber
reeled and fell from his saddle, and in a twinkling both his
companions fired their pistols at the traveler, and bore, with a
simultaneous cry of rage, down upon him. Neither of the shots
had taken effect, but the two enraged highwaymen would have made
short work of their victim had not Sir Norman, like a true
knight, ridden to the rescue. Drawing his sword, with one
vigorous blow he placed another of the assassins hors de combat;
and, delighted with the idea of a fight to stir his stagnant
blood, was turning (like a second St. George at the Dragon), upon
the other, when that individual, thinking discretion the better
part of valor, instantaneously turned tail and fled.
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