“People are mistaken about him. As to murdering an innocent man in the woods, and robbing him, too,” said Bates, “why, bless you, it is out of the question.”
“From what you say about him,” said the post-boy, “one would think he wasn’t a rascal at all.”
“Nor is he,” said Jack, fiercely; “I’ll stake my life on it.”
“And so will I,” said Bates, drinking deeply.
“Perhaps you know him, then, gentlemen?”
“No, not exactly; but I’ve seen him, and actually been in his company once or twice,” said Jack.
“So have I,” chimed in Bates, “he can sing a capital song.”
“And dance a jig.”
“And handle a sword.”
“Aye! that he can, and fight for an hour with the best gentleman in all England,” said Bates, in conclusion.