what had he to fear with respect to his personal safety. He had some
money and a watch; this the highwayman could have had now for the
asking. Yet these men bore the reputes of atrocious criminals to whom
every sort of lawlessness was familiar. However, he need not
compromise himself by taking part in their enterprises. The main
thing was the chief of the band had offered him an asylum; and as a
last resort, if the place became intolerable he could flee from it.

'Yes; I will accept your offer.'

'Good. I take your word. Walk at my side, keeping close; for the
path is narrow.' So saying the two moved onward, the robber leading
Roland's horse.




CHAPTER V.

THE ROBBERS OF MARKHAM SWAMP.


After proceeding a few paces the robber chief tied his horse to a
tree, and then bidding Roland follow, made his way through the dark
and silent masses of the wood.

Several times our hero, despite his experience of forest travel, was
tripped up by tree shores, or a tangle of underbrush; and once his
forehead struck a sturdy limb with such force that he became for
several seconds stupefied. The voice of the highwayman recalled him.