“Yes; but I do though, Tim. I shall mount my brave mare, Starlight, and go at once.”
“Oh! master, pray don’t,” pleaded Tim; “I’m sure that some harm will befal you.”
“And I’m equally sure none will. Prepare Starlight at once. Saddle the brown cob also.”
“The brown cob, sir? You surely don’t want two horses?”
“Yes I do, Tim.”
“What, the brown cob for the Red Man of the Gibbet,” said Tim, aghast. “You surely ain’t going to take a moonlight ride with such a horrible devil as he is.”
“True, Tim, I am not,” said Ned, laughing; “the brown cob is for yourself.”
“For me?” said Tim, rolling his eyes.
“Yes, you. Come, be quick. Let us start off at once.”
With many groans, Tim prepared the horses, and ere many minutes had elapsed, both master and servant were on their way to the heath.