Tony (Aside.) Father-in-law, by all that's unlucky, come to take one of his night walks. (To her.) Ah! it's a highwayman, with pistols as long as my arm. A damn'd ill looking fellow.
Mrs. Hard. Good Heaven defend us! He approaches.
Tony. Do you hide yourself in that thicket, and leave me to manage him. If there be any danger I'll cough, and cry—hem! When I cough, be sure to keep close.
Mrs. Hardcastle hides behind a tree, in the back scene.
Enter Hardcastle.
Hard. I'm mistaken, or I heard voices of people in want of help. O, Tony, is that you? I did not expect you so soon back. Are your mother and her charge in safety?
Tony. Very safe, sir, at my aunt Pedigree's. Hem!
Mrs. Hard. (From behind.). Ah, death! I find there's danger.
Hard. Forty miles in three hours; sure that's too much, my youngster.
Tony. Stout horses and willing minds make short journeys, as they say. Hem!