The boy took his leave and homeward did go,
The highwayman soon followed after also,
He soon overtook him upon the highway,
"You are well overtaken, young man," he did say.
"Will you get up behind me?" the highwayman said
"How far are you going?" replied the lad.
"Three or four miles for what I know;"
So he got up behind and away they did go.
They rode till they came to a very dark lane,
"Now," says the highwayman, "I will tell you plain,