"But," cried the farmer, "those boys have robbed him—it is they who have all his money."
"O, which way did they go?" cried Jem. "I'll run after them."
"No, no," said the lady, calling to her servant; and she desired him to take his horse and ride after them.
"Ay," added farmer Truck, "do you take the road and I'll take the field way, and I'll be bound we'll have 'em presently."
Whilst they were gone in pursuit of the thieves, the lady, who was now thoroughly convinced of Jem's truth, desired her coachman would produce what she had ordered him to bring with him that evening. Out of the boot of the carriage the coachman immediately produced a new saddle and bridle.
How Jem's eyes sparkled when the saddle was thrown upon Lightfoot's back!
"Put it on your horse yourself, Jem," said the lady; "it is yours."
Confused reports of Lightfoot's splendid accoutrements, of the pursuit of the thieves, and of the fine and generous lady who was standing at dame Preston's window, quickly spread through the village, and drew every body from their houses. They crowded round Jem to hear the story.
The children especially, who were all fond of him, expressed the strongest indignation against the thieves. Every eye was on the stretch; and now some who had run down the lane came back shouting, "Here they are! They've got the thieves!"
The footman on horseback carried one boy before him, and the farmer, striding along, dragged another. The latter had on a red jacket, which Jem immediately recollected, and scarcely dared to lift his eyes to look at the boy on horseback.