The rapid pace at which they were travelling hindered conversation.  Tom would not easily have believed it possible to travel so fast by night, but he trusted himself implicitly to the guidance of his comrade; and the strong, mettlesome, sure-footed horse he rode seemed to make nothing either of his solid weight, or of the distance they had to go.

Presently Lord Claud drew rein.  They were passing through a little copse, where the light was but misty and indistinct, and where the road made a sudden sharp turn almost at right angles, affording complete shelter to any person or persons lying in ambush.

“Now, Tom,” said Lord Claud, “this is the spot I have chosen.  There is a village not half a mile distant.  The road is not a dangerous or lonely one—­this is the only little bit of wood for some distance, and it is very small.  No special precautions will probably be observed.  There are two horses laden with gold, under the escort of two soldiers each.  They had a larger guard to pass through the wilder forest country, but some of the men were to turn back when the perilous transit was made.  Most likely one horse and the two troopers will be a little in advance of the other.  The moment the leading horse rounds this corner we shoot down the men.  You need not kill your trooper, Tom—­indeed, I never kill unless there is need—­it is enough to disable him.  In a moment I shall have possession of the horse and shall gallop off.  But I shall only possess myself of the treasure, and let the beast go.  I have no wish to be tracked by him.  Now, if I am right in what I expect, the second troopers, hearing the shots and their comrades’ cries, will believe themselves in peril of attack from a much larger gang, and will instantly fly to save their skins.  This is what happens in five cases out of seven.  It is seldom that a couple of men will stay to face what they believe to be a desperate gang of highwaymen.  If this is so, dash you out upon the second horse.  Seize him, and follow me.  I know every inch of the country, and those fellows know nothing but the roads.  They will never catch us, even if they pursue.  If, however, the second pair should prove fellows of a stouter kidney, and instead of fleeing should show fight, then leave the second prize and follow hard after me.  We will not risk too much, and one load will suffice for present necessities, albeit I should like well enough to obtain the two.  I would make our ministers smart for their scurvy treatment of me!”

Tom grasped the situation in a moment, and set his teeth hard, whilst the light of battle leaped into his eyes.  The adventure suited the reckless self-confidence which his recent life had quickened.  Why should he not in time become a second Lord Claud, a man half feared, half admired by all London town, petted, made much of, observed and copied wherever he went?  That his calling was suspected, if not actually known, Tom had abundant reason to know.  But it seemed rather to give a lustre to his reputation than to cover him with shame.  Why should he not attain in time to a like pinnacle of fame and fortune?