“Dick? Can I go now?” Swiftnick urged persuasively as he trotted alongside Turpin. The sun filtered down gently through the forest canopy above, gilding the leaves and sending dancing green gold shadows across the woodland floor. They had been to the local pub, stocking up on information in the hopes of finding a coach ripe for the plucking. Nothing much seemed to be happening and Swiftnick was hopeful of getting a favourable answer to his request now that Turpin had been mellowed by a pint or two. Truth to tell, Swiftnick suspected Dick enjoyed the gossip for its own sake as much as anything else.

 “No,” Dick responded flatly.

 “But why not?”  Swiftnick demanded in exasperation.

 “What part of no don’t you understand?” Dick growled impatiently.

 “The part that stops me doing what I want to do,” Swiftnick retorted in a surly tone.

 Turpin gave him a surprised look at that. “Look, you barely know this girl....”

 “Actually, I know her really well,” Swiftnick interrupted, again surprising the older man. “I've known Maude since I was little.”

 Little? You’re barely out of swaddling now! Dick thought, but out of consideration for his youthful friend’s pride for once held his tongue. “But you haven’t seen her since she moved to Rushby you said....”

 “So?”

 “So you don’t know how she's changed.”

 “What’s that got to do with it?”

 “Swiftnick, what if she knows you’re a highwayman?”

 “What if she does?!”

 Turpin sighed in exasperation. “She could betray you, idiot. She could be setting up a trap for you.”

 “Maude wouldn't do that!”

 “You don’t know that.”

 “And you don’t know she would. You’d go if it was a friend of yours asking for help.”

 “Highwaymen don't have friends.” The look Swiftnick gave him told Dick exactly what he thought of that long before he said anything.

 “Codswallop,” Swiftnick snorted succinctly. “Besides, I may not have seen her, but I have heard from her.”

 “Oh aye, asking you to come all the way to Rushby to help her out of nowhere?”

 “It’s not out of nowhere!” Swiftnick shouted. Goaded beyond exasperation into irritation, he then reined in and sat on the forest path, glaring at his partner’s back until Dick realised he had stopped. Pretending he had overshot deliberately, Dick reined Black Bess in to a halt and turned in his saddle to look back at him. Sunshine poured though the trees, blazing around the youngster like an aura.

 “The halo effect won’t help,” Dick snorted. “I know you too well.”

 "What halo effect?” Swiftnick snapped back at him.

 Dick sighed. “Look, what do you owe this girl anyway?” he demanded, then paused and gave the youth a suspicious look. “Hold on, you know her really well? How well is really well? You been sneaking over to Rushby behind my back, you young rake?”

 Swiftnick blushed. “No, I have not. And Maude’s not that sort of girl.”

 “At least she wasn’t when you knew her and now you’re hoping she is?”

 “Dick! Stop it! You’re not being fair!”

 “Excuse me? When did I ever say I was going to be fair?”

 “You told me to ask you when I wanted to do something. Well, I want to go and see Maude. The man who brought her message to the pub for her said she was really upset. Crying! And it’s urgent. I could have gone without telling you. I wish I had now.”

 Dick scowled. Swiftnick had a point. He had convinced his young accomplice to trust him with his problems and not to go off on his own without telling Dick first. Now that he had, Dick realised that his initial impulse to refuse was probably not going to help Swiftnick trust him again. “Oh, all right.....” he sighed grimly.

 “What?” Swiftnick looked up in surprise from plaiting bits of Toby’s black mane between his fingers. “I can go?”

 “No, you can’t....”

 “Dick!”

 “We’ll go. I'm not ready to let you go off on your own. No telling what you’ll get up to. I’ll come with you.”

 “Now?” Swiftnick urged eagerly.

 “Now? I thought we’d go back to the hideout and get a bite to eat....” Dick fell silent under the imploring look Swiftnick gave him.  “Oh all right, if we must....”

                                                            * * *

The village centre of Rushby was little more than a cluster of black beamed cottages surrounding the village pond and green like a flock of ducklings. A small church, a handful of small shops, a blacksmith, three pubs and numerous interesting looking side alleys that probably held all sorts of interesting secrets.

“I see the pubs have got the church outnumbered,” Dick observed dryly as he and Swiftnick rode in along the main street. “We’re probably best staying at one of them. That one looks handy....” The highwayman nodded towards the oldest looking of the three pubs. A recent coat of whitewash stood out against its black beams and its upper floor overhung the lower, making it look top heavy.

“Not until I find Maude. She said she lives in Potters Alley.”

“I fancy a pie and pint...” Dick began then broke off as Swiftnick gave him another one of his exasperated looks. “Ah, go on then. Lead on....”

Swiftnick nodded, nudging Toby into a walk along the cobbled street. Picking a likely looking young female, he gave her a bright smile and asked directions. Patting at her hair and dimpling up at the grinning young highwayman, she pointed out the alley entrance and then reluctantly made her way into the drapers with the swish of long skirts.

“Pick the prettiest one, why don’t you,” Dick murmured, under his breath in amusement, grinning to himself as he followed his apprentice through an archway into Potter’s Alley.

Ignoring him with a mischievous grin of his own, Swiftnick rode along, checking doorways and counting until he found the right cottage. Then he looked back over his shoulder. “This is it,” he called.

Turpin nodded, reining Black Bess alongside Toby and taking a careful look both ways along the alley. There were a handful of youngsters kicking a ball about further up and a woman was hanging out her washing, but there was no sign of any trouble. The woman was obviously curious, peering over her washing at them. Dick flashed a grin and then tipped his tricorn to her, making a point of dismounting so he wouldn't look so suspicious. By then Swiftnick was already knocking on the door.

The door was opened almost immediately and a plump little sparrow of a young woman holding a baby looked out. She stared at Swiftnick for a moment, then with a cry of joy flung herself at him. “Oh, Nick you came!” I so hoped you would. I didn’t know who else to turn to. I'm desperate....”

“Er yes,” Swiftnick said, gently pushing her back and managing to dodge the baby’s small flailing fists as it started yelling.

“Maybe we could come inside?” Dick suggested blandly, having loosely tied Black Bess up beside Toby.

Maude stared at him, distractedly pushing her brown curls out of her wide blue eyes. “Who are you?” she asked curiously.

“Oh, this is Dick Turner. A good friend of mine,” Swiftnick said quickly, shooting a quick glance at Turpin.  “He kept me company on the road.”

“Aye, never can tell who you might meet....” The highwayman nodded blandly and smiled reassuringly at the girl. Maude was obviously not much older than Swiftnick, but the baby was giving Dick cause for thought. How long had she been in Rushby? From what he vaguely remembered Swiftnick telling him, it had been long enough to hide an indiscretion. He flashed a quick suspicious look at his young partner.

Swiftnick glared back at him and shook his head indignantly. knowing exactly what Turpin was thinking.  His look of outrage however only made Turpin grin in amusement.

Maude had relaxed a fraction. “Oh, you’d better come in then. I'm sure you’d like some ale.”

"I’d be delighted. Nick refused to stop at the pub he was in such a rush to see you...” Turpin said dryly. Swiftnick glared at him, but Maude was beckoning them inside and he followed her.

Inside the cottage it was cool and dim after the bright sunshine outside.  It smelt of herbs and freshly cooked stew. A pot of flowers on the window ledge lent a splash of rich orange to the room and a brightly coloured rug tossed over a simple but well made chest added warmth. Various other pots and dishes scattered around the room were well made and painted with pictures of flowers and country scenes. “Here. I’ll get your ale...” Maude suddenly thrust the baby into Turpin’s arms and whisked away to get a pitcher before Dick cold protest. Swiftnick smirked at him, following Maude into the tiny kitchen.

Dick and the baby stared at each other, each startled into silence. Finally Dick eased himself cautiously down to sit on the chest and cradled the baby carefully in one arm, hoping Maude wouldn't take long. The baby gurgled experimentally, testing out a whimper.

“Don’t you dare cry,” Dick growled, gently jostling it on his knee and checking gingerly to see if the swaddling as dry. Thankfully there seemed to be no leakage.

The baby considered him with the solemn air that only a baby could manage, then opened its mouth on a small experimental wail of complaint.

“Hush,” Dick responded grimly. “I'm a highwayman, I can shoot you....”

The baby stared at him as Dick valiantly rocked it in his arms, finally coaxing first a gurgle then a giggly laugh as Maude returns.

“I think he likes me,” Dick reported, hoping she was going to take the baby back. Maude however set out the tankards.

“He’s a she,” she said firmly.

“He is?” Dick peered down at the baby curiously, flinching as she seized his hand stuffed it in her mouth.

“She is, yes....”

“Explains why she likes you,” Swiftnick teased. “All the women do.”

Maude sniffed, pouring the ale. “Can’t see why. He can’t tell one end of a baby from another.”

“I hadn't got as far as turning her upside down to check for labels,” Dick retorted dryly, wincing as she gnawed on his thumb.  “Is she hungry?”

“No, I fed her before you came.” Maude straightened up, pushing at her curls. For the first time, Dick looked beyond her plump prettiness, seeing that she was bone weary with worry.

“Must be teething then,” he decided gently. “Do you have something for her to gnaw on other than me?”

Maude contemplated him for a moment, then fetched a teething ring that she offered to the baby.  The little girl fell on it in delight, gurgling and sucking happily away. Dick wiped his slobbered over hand on his breeches and sighed.

“How’d you know she was teething?” Swiftnick asked curiously.

“Amazingly enough, I have encountered a baby before,” Dick told him. “And according to Mary, the things you used to chew on are beyond belief.”

Swiftnick flushed. “I don’t remember...” he said distantly.

“Of course not, you were a baby,” Dick pointed out cheerfully. “Maude, may I call you Maude?”

“If you must....” she sat down at the table, fiddling with the tankard she had filled for herself. With a glance at Dick, Swiftnick sat down opposite her.

“Why don’t you tell us what’s wrong?” Dick urged, shifting the baby slightly to make them both more comfortable. She giggled at him, still chewing furiously.

Maude slid an uneasy glance at him, then turned back to Swiftnick. “If your friend will watch Ellie....” she began.

“I’ll watch her for no more than five minutes, after that she’ll start crying,” Turpin interrupted in warning. “And if you’ve got something to tell Nick, then you can tell me too.”

Maude frowned at that. “I don’t.....”

“He’s my apprentice,” Dick said simply. “You tell us both or I’ll take him and go.”

Swiftnick looked stubborn, but held his tongue. He suspected he would soon be out of his depth and he would need Turpin’s help.

Maude looked at Dick as if she was going to cry then nodded miserably at his implacable expression and turned back to Swiftnick. “It’s my Samuel, he’s gone missing,” she explained with an unhappy sniffle.

“And Samuel is?” Dick prompted.

“Ellie’s father,” Swiftnick answered.

“That’s a relief....” Dick murmured under his breath, finding a smile for the little girl as she dribbled at him.

“Sam’s from Rushby. He and Maude met at the fair....” Swiftnick explained, glaring pointedly at his partner..

“We were handfasted when I came here with him to the village because of Ellie. We’ve been together ever since,” Maude added.

“But not married?” Dick asked.

“We mean to be,” Maude answered.

“Ah....” Dick murmured.

“Ah? What does ah mean?” Maude bristled indignantly.

“When were...I mean are you to be married?” Turpin asked carefully, well aware that Swiftnick was glaring at him too.

“In two days by Father Peter,” she said proudly then her pride trembled. “Only Samuel’s gone missing.....”

“Why haven’t you been married before this then? Before this little one arrived?” Dick bounced Ellie gently and she giggled and smacked him in the chest with her teething ring.

“Father Peter has been very kind to us. But I'm not from Rushby. We had to wait until I’d been in the village long enough. Then Samuel wanted us to get married right away, but he was setting up as a potter. I didn't mind waiting until the pottery was set up....”

“His idea or yours?”

“Mine. Everyone in the village knows we’re handfasted. They’ve all been very kind...”

“So, why do you think Samuel’s missing?”

“He’s been gone three days,” Maude replied sadly. “He’s never been away this long before. He only went to the fair. His pots sell really well, you see. He wanted to get me a silk veil....”

Ellie let out a sudden whimper, winding up into a wail as she sensed Maude’s distress. Maude came and picked her up, her own tears sparkling in her eyes as she bounced the baby on her hip.

A brisk knock sounded above the increasing racket and Swiftnick hurried over to answer it. Grabbing the discarded teething ring, Dick waved it at the baby, hoping to distract her. She turned away, burrowing into Maude’s shoulder which made barely a difference to her volume.

“Maude?” A woman’s voice inquired as she firmly shoved Swiftnick out of her way to step inside. She was a tall, older woman with brown hair turning grey at the temples and a concerned expression.  “Are you all right, love?”

“Oh yes. I'm sorry, Millie, did Ellie disturb you?”

“Goodness me no, girl. I was wondering who these two gentleman might be. I thought they might have heard something of Samuel?” From the hopeful look in the woman’s kind brown eyes, she was obviously eager for good news.

“No, I'm afraid not. This is Nick Smith and Dick Turner....” Maude frowned slightly and lifted her voice as Ellie started to scream in frustration. “I asked Nick to see if he could help find my Samuel.....” 

“Now, Maude, don’t you go upsetting yourself again. Like as not my Luke’s got him drunk to celebrate his marrying you....” Millie said quickly, plucking Ellie out of her arms. “You two gentlemen wait outside if you please....”

Before Swiftnick or Turpin could protest, they found themselves thrust firmly outside with their tankards. Swiftnick frowned at the closed door and then turned to Dick. “You don’t believe her....”

“That Samuel’s missing? Of course I do. But as to the why....”

“You think he’s run off.....” Swiftnick said belligerently.

“Now, I'm not saying as it’s something you’d do, but it wouldn't be the first time a lad’s thought better of what he’s getting himself into; through no fault of the lass’s. You know that.”

“Sam isn't like that! He wouldn’t do such a thing to Maude.”

“Know him as well, do you?”

“Yes!” Swiftnick lifted his chin defiantly. “He’s been set on marrying Maude since the first time they met. Never known him to talk about anything else. The only thing he loves as much as her in being Ellie’s father.”

“Hmmh, all right then,” Dick murmured, startling Swiftnick into silence. “What about this other lad? Luke the woman called him? You know him?”

“No....” Swiftnick admitted.

“Sounds like he’s missing too.” Dick looked round, then seated himself against the sun baked wall with his tankard cradled in his hands. “Sit yourself down, Swiftnick. We need to think about this...

* * *

Half an hour later and Swiftnick was pacing restlessly up and down on the cobbles while Turpin had propped his feet up on a handy boot scraper and appeared to have gone to sleep. 

The soft creak of the door opening however brought him instantly awake and reaching for his sword as he came to his feet. Millie gave him a disapproving look as she quietly shut the door behind her.

“I persuaded Maude to have a bit of a lie down. Poor thing’s had no sleep what with her worrying over Samuel and young Ellie a-fussing...Ellie’s sleeping too, so don’t you go waking her up either...”

“Honey on her teething ring, that’ll sweeten her....” Dick advised, making both Millie and Swiftnick look at him in surprise. “What?” the highwayman protested. “It’s what Mary always said....”

“Ah, your wife is she?”

“My wife? Never!” Turpin exclaimed then paused, feeling Swiftnick’s eyes boring into him. “He’s her son....Known her a long time, took him on as my apprentice....”

“Oh aye?” Millie observed dryly. “Apprentice what? Don't know many men who’d come to see an apprentice’s friend.”

“Ah well, I'm a carter. Nick here said Samuel’s a potter, might have some things he wanted to transport....” Millie had a way of looking at him that reminded Dick an awful lot of Mary. He could tell she didn't believe a word he was saying. “So, Samuel’s been missing three days then? With your Luke?”

“Meaning?” Millie gave him a narrow eyed look.

“Meaning no more than that,” Dick said hastily. “You know where they’ve gone?”

“To the fair,” Millie responded dryly.

“You’re not being very helpful...” Turpin retorted irritably.

“Why should I be? I don’t know you. You could be anyone come sniffing round Maude after the pottery...”

“What good would a pottery be to me?” Turpin threw up his hands in exasperation. “Maude asked us here to help....”

“No, she asked Nick here....” Millie nodded towards Swiftnick.

“But I wouldn't know where to look. Dick will know. He’s good at finding things,” Swiftnick piped up hastily, adding under his breath.. “...especially me....”

“That’s because you always go to the same places, idiot,” Dick snorted and then turned a winning smile on Millie. “Look, the lad here wants to help Maude. She obviously needs someone to help.”

Millie stared at him for a moment then slumped slightly. “I suppose....”

“Good,” Dick approved in a friendly tone. “Look, chances are the lads have gone and gotten themselves drunk and are sleeping it off.”

“For three days?!” Millie sniffed in disgust.

“Aye, with a wedding coming up many a man would think twice and seize a last chance to get drunk.”

“Sam isn't like that....” Swiftnick protested.

“Neither is my Luke!” Millie snapped. “He’s my son and he’s responsible for making sure Samuel’s back on time for the wedding.”

“That isn't what you told Maude,” Swiftnick pointed out. “You said Luke had probably got him drunk....”

Millie glared at him. “That was to reassure her. Luke promised me he wouldn't. A drink or two is one thing, but he wouldn’t be this irresponsible, not now....”

“Not now?” Turpin caught that and frowned at her.

Millie looked uneasy. “My Luke was always a bit of a wild one. Never knew what he was going to do next until Samuel took him on at the pottery. Never seen such a change in a lad. Luke’s a dab hand with his paints and he loves the pottery... He went with Samuel to help with the cart for the market....”

“Look, I'm sorry to be blunt, but who do you think he’d support if Samuel has changed his mind?” Dick interrupted.

Millie looked dismayed. “Samuel....” she whispered with reluctance. “But I’m sure Samuel wouldn’t run out on Maude...”

“No,” Turpin agreed in a gentler tone.

“And if he had, my Luke would have come back....”

Dick gave her a thoughtful look, seeing the anxiety in her eyes. “You said he was a wild one. He’s never done this before?”

“Not like this. Not for so long. And not since Samuel took him on....”

Turpin nodded. “So, where’s this fair being held?”

“North Ford,” Millie answered.

Dick frowned. “North Ford? Now why do I remember that name? Nick?”

Swiftnick shook his head. “Means nothing to me...”

“It’ll come back to me,” Turpin decided, nodding amiably to Millie. “Probably nothing. Go on.”

“They should have been back yesterday. A day to get there and attend the market, a day back...” She folded her hands together, knitting her fingers together anxiously.

“And you’re sure they wouldn’t have stayed away for a bit of fun while Samuel’s still free?”

Millie shook her head firmly.  “No, Samuel had a client wanting to order a set of his plates.  They meant to be back early yesterday to meet with him. Maude had to meet him instead. She was in a panic that they’d lose the order ...”

Dick nodded. “Well, I think we’ll have a bite to eat at the pub and then ride over to North Ford, Swiftnick. See what we can find out....”

“I have a fresh made pie if you’d like some....” Millie offered.

Turpin grinned at Swiftnick as the youth brightened up and winked at him. “Now, how could we pass up an offer of home made pie....”

                                                            * * *

Dick was rapidly revising his opinion of Samuel after what his careful questioning of Millie over a fine lunch had revealed. For a start the potter was obviously older than he thought and building himself a successful trade. He had even begged Maude to go with him to the fair, but she had turned him down; reluctant to travel with the fretful Ellie and with her dress to finish. Nor did he sound like the kind of man to suddenly disappear with a client on the doorstep. Devoted young men didn't run out on a woman who adored him without a good reason and by all appearances, Samuel had every reason to stay home.

Luke was younger, but Millie had shown Dick the painted pots he had made and the delicate fresh paintings of flowers showed a care and love of what he was doing, that suggested a lad rapidly becoming a responsible young man and growing out of his youthful indiscretions. Dick somehow doubted that he had led Samuel astray or been led astray. That left an outside influence....

“Sod it....” Turpin hissed under his breath as the thought struck him.

“What?” Swiftnick, riding alongside him and half dozing in the peace and quiet of the sun lit lane. Toby ambled along, snatching the occasional mouthful from the verge.

 “North Ford. I knew I remembered the name for some reason. I told you to stay away from there!”

“You did? When? Why?”

“You never listen, do you?” Turpin retorted, nudging Black Bess to lengthen her stride.

“Of course I do. What was I supposed to remember this time?”

“North Ford’s fair. It’s where the recruiters go!”

“Recruiters?”

“For the army, you idiot. For the army!  Shake up that nag of yours, Swiftnick. We ride!”

                                                            * * *

North Ford was a sprawling untidy village, but its green was bigger than Rushby’s and still sported a collection of stalls left over from the market and fair where a few last traders were selling off the last of their goods rather than lug them home again. Following Turpin’s instructions, Swiftnick had separated from his partner and nosed about the stalls like a typical village lad looking for amusement. He spent a few coins here and there and finally made his way to the Dancing Bear pub where it hunched in the corner of the green. Stepping inside, he blinked a bit in the dimness after the bright light outside, taking a casual look round and spotting Turpin where he sat in the corner with a girl in his lap, his feet up on the table and a tankard in his free hand.

Calling his partner several rude names under his breath for enjoying himself, Swiftnick ordered himself a half pint of ale and the cheapest meal he could get and found a table for himself.  As Turpin had suggested, it wasn't long before he drew attention. A grey haired man had been idling over a dish of stew and a tankard at the next table and he lifted his ale in a greeting  to the youth. “All alone, lad?” he asked mildly.

“Don't see anyone with me,” Swiftnick retorted in his best, surly ‘leave me alone’ tone.

“Now, now. No need to be a bad mood to someone who only wants to be friendly.” Acting as if he was a little drunk, the man swung around and climbed over his seat to join Swiftnick at his table. He brought his ale pitcher with him and topped up Swiftnick’s tankard for him.

“Thanks,” Swiftnick muttered, still aiming for sullen. He didn't manage it very well. Apart from a hot temper at times, he was usually even tempered.

“You not from around here?” the man asked. He was a big man, but running to seed with a scarred, florid face and thinning grey hair. His eyes were sharp and hard, chips of grey blue ice that revealed nothing. Swiftnick didn't trust those eyes.

“No...” the youth answered, then grudgingly added under the man’s smiling silent prompt. “I came to meet some friends at the fair. But I was late. I must have missed them....”

“Ah, some friends not to wait for you....”

Swiftnick snorted and took a pull at his ale, wishing it didn't have quite so much sediment in it. He could have showed the innkeeper how to brew a much better ale if he had wanted to. “I’ll be all right....”

“Got somewhere to sleep, have you?”

“Always plenty of hedges,” Swiftnick answered coolly.

“No money then?”

“Didn't say that,” Swiftnick gave him a calculating look.

“Ah now, don't you go thinking I'm drunk enough to be an easy mark because I'm being friendly like,” the man scolded. “Name’s Eggers.”

Swiftnick shrugged, not inclined to respond. “What do you want?”

“Maybe I have a proposition for you...”

Swiftnick narrowed his eyes suspiciously. “’Ere, what are you up to? I've heard about your kind and their propositions!”

Eggers looked startled, then smiled edgily at him. “Now, now, none of that! I only meant that a lad like you could earn himself some money.....”

“I know what you meant!” Swiftnick started to his feet and Eggers caught his wrist, quickly pinning his hand to the table. His grip was strong and Swiftnick resisted the urge to wince as his fingers dug hard in his wrist.

“No you didn't, lad,” he said firmly. “Didn't mean no harm. No funny stuff. Thought you might like to earn some money....”

“I told you.....!” Swiftnick struggled to wrench free and found to his alarm that he couldn’t. He fought down the urge to panic as Eggers grinned at him nastily; reminding himself that Turpin was close by and would allow no harm to come to him.

“Nothing bad, lad. But something a bit better than going back to the farm...You a farm lad?”

“Yes....” Swiftnick lied.

“Any good in a fight?”

“Maybe....”

“Know how to handle a musket?”

“I’m better with a pistol....” Swiftnick admitted truthfully. “Why? What’s it to you? If you want me to kill someone, I won’t do it....”

“Didn’t say that,” Eggers pointed out pleasantly. “You ever thought about the army?”

“The army?” Swiftnick subsided into his chair and twisted his wrist against Eggers’ firm grip.

“Let go of me....”

“You going to run off and start telling lies?” Eggers asked sharply. “Or are you going to sit and listen?”

“I’ll listen. Ain’t got much else to do....” To Swiftnick’s relief, Eggers let go of him and gave his arm a gentle pat.

“You’re a smart lad, quick off the mark, well set up. You could do well for yourself. Be a sergeant before you know it....” Eggers kept talking, refilling the youth’s tankard and pushing it towards Swiftnick. “Here, drink up....”

Swiftnick hesitated only a moment, before he accepted it and took several long pulls. As he had more than half suspected, the coin hidden at the bottom of the tankard slid into his mouth and he spluttered, spitting it out into his hand and wiping it on the corner of his sleeve.

“Well now, a whole shilling! Aren’t you the lucky one!” Eggers congratulated him as Swiftnick displayed it to him in mock surprise. “You should keep that.”

Swiftnick gave him a doubtful look. “Should I?”

“Oh aye, lucky to find that....”

Swiftnick gave him a tentative smile and made as if to slip his hand into his pocket. Before he could, a hand caught his wrist, but this time it was a familiar grip and far gentler than Eggers’ had been.

“Well now,” Turpin purred. “What do we have here? You up to your old tricks, Eggy?”

Eggers looked up at the highwayman in astonishment changing rapidly to alarm. “Captain?! I didn't know you were here.”

Turpin frowned at him. “Aye, apparently not. And what do you mean by slipping the king’s shilling to a lad like this? And him knowing no better than to take it in all innocence?”

“Well now, it wasn't like that....”

“No?” Dick turned Swiftnick’s hand over into his, taking the shilling from him. “And what this? A doubled headed shilling? Eggy, I'm shocked! Passing off one of these as the king’s shilling? That could earn you a flogging....”

“A doubled headed...?!” Eggers half choked as he craned forward, striving to see.

Dick held the beer shiny coin out to him obligingly. The fact he had deftly swapped it for the one Swiftnick had handed him was something Eggers had no way of knowing. “Shame on you....” Turpin said sadly, shaking his head. “Used to be you told a lad what you were after....”

“It’s a mistake....”

“And so I’ll tell General Makepeace....” Turpin sighed.

“Makepeace?” Under his florid countenance, Eggers paled. “Ah now, Captain, you wouldn’t tell him. The king needs men....”

“Men, aye, not lads like this one...”  Turpin shook his head again. “Where are you staying?”

“At the Boar across the green.....” Eggers quavered. “Sir.....”

“Go on then, be off with you,” Turpin said wearily, seating himself beside Swiftnick. “I’ll square things with this lad for you....”

“But the General....”

“Makepeace has bigger fish to fry than you. Now, I have things to do here and I don't need the likes of you getting in my way....Go on. I’ll deal with you later...”

Eggers backed away, scrambling to get out of the inn as Turpin glowered after him.

Swiftnick was baffled. “Dick? I don’t get it....You caught him with that coin like you said we would....”

Grinning, Turpin draped his arm across the youth’s shoulders. “So I did. Now, if I know him, he’ll go scrambling back to the Boar and pick up whoever he’s recruited; our Samuel and Luke among them. Then he’ll be off and running, thinking I won’t come after him if I'm busy....”

“But if he’s recruited them....”

Dick leaned closer. “Sergeant Eggers, lad, is as straight as a corkscrew. He’s caught them lads and he’ll sell ‘em on to someone else who won’t know how he tricked them.  Next thing they know, they’ll be soldiers and nothing they can do about it.”

Swiftnick nodded slowly. “You sure he’s got Samuel and Luke?”

“I've been listening to him boasting. Fool never even noticed me. Now drink up and let’s go. I want to be waiting for him.”

“What if he’s got soldiers with him?”

Dick snorted. “He won’t have. One man at most if I know him. He doesn't share what he makes at this little game if he can help it.”

“You think they’ll be all right?”

“They’ll be fine. Eggy never harms his merchandise....” Dick said firmly, finishing Swiftnick's ale for him since his accomplice wasn't paying attention. Taking his arm, he hoisted the youth out of his seat. “Now we collect our nags and go wait for him...”

                                                            * * *

Two hours later, Dick drummed his fingers impatiently on the butt of the horse pistol tucked into his saddle holster. They had been watching the dusty road for over an hour and the highwayman was getting bored and thirsty, thinking wistful thoughts of the pub and a cool ale or two. Black Bess shifted, as restless as her rider as she cropped at the scanty grass on the shade of the trees. 

“Swiftnick? You see anything yet?” Dick called to his accomplice was who was perched in the tree above him.

Swiftnick was a great deal cooler than his partner and loathe to abandon his breeze ruffled perch among the leaves. “No,” he admitted. “What if they don’t come this way?”

“I told you, they have to,” Dick retorted. “We watched them leave the village, didn’t we?”

“Well, yes.....”

“And this is the only road out of the village. There’s no turn off. And no way Eggy can get that wagon of his through the wood. So sooner or later, they’ll come by.”

“We should have grabbed ‘em as soon as they left the village, like I said....” Swiftnick grumbled under his breath.

“I heard that....” Dick warned.

“You were meant to!” shot back Swiftnick in defiance.

Turpin suppressed the urge to swear. Telling Swiftnick what to do was all very well, but he had learned that explaining why usually earned him more cooperation. “And did you hear what I said about why we didn't grab them leaving the village?” he asked sarcastically instead.

Swiftnick muttered something under his breath.

“That’s right, we don't everyone in the village knowing we’re highwaymen, do we?”

“Don't see why they should....”

“Because it’ll be ruddy obvious if we ride up to them waving pistols and bellowing stand and deliver, won’t it?!”

 “Maybe we shouldn’t bellow then....”

“Idiot....” Turpin snorted.

“Martinet.....”

“What?!” Dick blinked in astonishment and peered up at the tree. “Where’d that come from?” he asked in amusement.

There was a pause and a soft laugh. “That book you gave me....”

“Obviously I've got to watch what I let you read,” Dick snorted. “You know what it means?”

“Uh huh....”

“Don’t tell me, you asked Glenrae? Source of all knowledge that I’d rather you didn’t have?”

“That’d be him,” Swiftnick chirped brightly. “Uh, Dick, I think the wagon’s coming....”

“Finally! You’d better come down...” Dick pulled Black Bess’ nose out of the grass and nudged her forward so he could see the road better. Swiftnick meanwhile scrambled out of the tree and onto Toby. His hair and clothes were full of leaves and twigs when Turpin glanced at him to see if he was ready.

“They’re going to think I ride with an elf,” Dick groaned. “Brush yourself off, brat.”

Swiftnick snorted. “It’s good camouflage....” he protested even as he obeyed.

“Not many people will stop if they see a bush leap out in front of them. They’ll be too busy laughing...Now, you remember the plan?”

 “You only told me three times,” Swiftnick pouted. “I'm not sure that’s enough. Want to make it one more to make certain?”

“There are times when I really wonder why I don’t shoot you....”

Swiftnick gave him his best wide eyed innocent look. “’Coz I'm cute?” he suggested impishly.

“No, it’s because you’re so fluffy headed it’d be cruel. That and the thought of what Mary would do to me....”

“I am not fluffy!” Swiftnick yelped.

“Hush!”

“Well, I’m not....”

“Pay attention. The coach....”

“Wagon....”

“Whatever!” Turpin snapped in exasperation and tucked his heels into Black Bess’ glossy sides. The mare scooted forward, bounding out in front of the single horse driven wagon and coming to a halt sideways on across the road. “Stand!” Turpin bellowed, aiming his pistol the shocked face of Eggers. Beside him, a burly man in the soldier’s uniform reached for the Brown Bess leaning against the driver’s seat.

“Don’t!” Swiftnick warned sharply, his own pistol aimed at the guard as he came up alongside.

“What is this, captain?” Eggers protested warily.

“What does it look like?” Turpin retorted blandly. “Toss the Brown Bess down now...”

The soldier scowled, but in view of the chilly expression on Turpin’s face and Swiftnick’s steady gaze, he thought better of defiance and eased the musket down the side of the wagon to drop to the ground.

“Very good,” Dick said approvingly. “You and your man should climb down now, Eggy. Nice and slow. You wouldn't want me to think you were up to something.”

Eggers scowled, but he jerked his head to his companion and climbed reluctantly down off the box. Keeping one eye on Turpin, the soldier started to climb down as well, but at a nudge from his rider, Toby swung his hindquarters round to block him. “Other side, mate,” Swiftnick ordered.

Scowling up at the young highwayman, the solider retreated and climbed down on the other side of the wagon beside Eggers. “You can’t rob us....” he growled.

“Why not?” Swiftnick mocked.

Turpin gave him an exasperated look. “You’ll have to forgive him. He’ll still new at this....”

“I'm not....”

“Quiet!” Turpin barked at him, startling the youth into obedience for once. “That’s better. Now, Eggy, you and your mate here take a seat....”

Eggers glared at him. “What’s going on, captain?” he wanted to know.

“Sit!” Dick roared and Eggers and the soldiers dropped into the grass like a couple of frightened rabbits. “What’s going on here, Eggy, is that I'm taking back your captives.”

“What captives? Only got recruits....” blurted Eggers while the soldier started up at Turpin in slowly dawning horror.

“The ones you kidnapped, sergeant,” Dick retorted. “The ones you tricked into taking the shilling.”

“Come on now, captain. You know the way of the things. The king needs men....”

“Aye, the same excuse as always, ain’t it? The king needs men, not boys barely big enough to lift a ruddy musket!” Turpin caught himself, suppressing the urge to rant on a subject that had always rankled with him. “And he needs willing men...”

Swiftnick nodded agreement. “Aye...”

Eggers eyes narrowed as he looked at the youth in recognition. “’Ere, hold on....”

“Did I tell you to talk?” Dick interrupted. “Corporal, go and get the captives....” Swiftnick stared at him blankly until Dick jerked his head towards the wagon. “What are you waiting for? Move, Corporal!”

“Oh er right.....I mean, yes sir.” Belatedly remembering the role he was supposed to be playing and hastily scrambling off Toby, Swiftnick darted behind the wagon.

Dick rolled his eyes. “Maybe three times wasn't enough,” he muttered under his breath, but said aloud. “Newly made up corporal,” he explained.

“What was he doing taking the shilling off me then?”

“Getting tricked into nearly swallowing the blasted thing you mean,” Dick growled. “Wanted to see if you were still up to your tricks, Eggy. Clipped coin, double headed ones....”

“I'm telling you it weren’t doubled headed....That lad swapped.....”

“You be careful what you say, Eggy,” Turpin interrupted again.

“Aye,” the soldier put in. “You never told me you were pulling no tricks like that....”

“Oh shut up, how did you think we get the young lads? Look, captain, we weren’t doing no harm...”

“Tell that to the young woman waiting for her man to come back....”

“This personal then, captain?”

“Nothing to do with you whether it is or not....” Turpin said coldly.

Eggers shifted uncomfortably, glancing towards the wagon where low voices could be heard as Swiftnick freed the reluctant recruits. “You said you wouldn't tell Makepeace....”

“Did I?” Turpin murmured. “Well, obviously I changed my mind...”

“Listen captain,” Eggers wheedled. “Makepeace doesn't have to know about this. It’s all a misunderstanding. Never meant for the army these lads....”

“Exactly. You’ve kidnapped them.....” Dick snapped icily. It was a pity in his opinion that Eggers couldn't be hanged for what he was doing. Press ganging was press ganging. Because the likes of Samuel and Luke might not be willing made no difference to the fact the ever hungry monster that was the army needed men.

“No, no, no, not like that. A little game if you like. There’s a man I know see, puts on entertainments. Likes to play soldiers. But he can’t have proper soldiers, can he? Not allowed to risk his skin by joining the real army. So, I find him a few men and he pretends to be a General. The lads get paid for their time and go off home none the worse. No harm done see. A bit of fun is all....”

Dick glanced at the solider as he nodded in eager agreement. Obviously, he believed it. And Dick wouldn't put it past Eggers to participate in such a scheme. Only he suspected that the lads would end up in a real army brigade one way or another. Not one to waste an opportunity was Eggers. Nor to let anyone live to rat on him.

“What about you, Eggy,” he said softly.

“Me, sir?”

“What do you get out of it?”

Eggers fidgeted, looking nervous.

“How much?” Dick’s voice had dropped even further.

The soldier had paled and was licking dry lips. “Tell him, Eggy....” he urged.

“No,” Eggers growled. “It’s nothing to do with him. It’s personal....”

“I've seen the money, Eggy. You promised me a half share....” the solider whined.

“Quarter share, you fool....” Eggers shot back furiously and then froze, shooting a chagrined look up at Turpin. “We could split it three ways....”

Turpin gave him a disgusted look. “Corporal! What’s taking you so long back there?” he roared.

“Coming!” Swiftnick reappeared, leading two young men somewhat older than himself and a terrified looking dark haired youth who looked even younger than Swiftnick. “Sorry, had to pick the locks....” Swiftnick explained, then hesitated under the dark look Dick gave him. “.....er....sir?” he offered tentatively.

“Did it not occur to you to ask these gentlemen for the key?” Turpin suggested sardonically, nodding towards Eggers and the soldier.

“Er no....” Swiftnick admitted.

“Old habits, Corporal, are best forgotten,” Dick reproved.

"You’re not even in uniform,” blurted the solider abruptly. “How do we know Makepeace sent you if you’re not in uniform....”

“Obviously because we are in disguise, fool!” Turpin told him loftily. “Corporal, search the wagon....”

“Er, for what.....sir?” Swiftnick wondered.

“Do I have to explain everything? For money, Corporal. Eggy here has been taking bribes....And offered me one....to add insult...”

“Oh!” Delighted at the prospect of a profit, Swiftnick bounced back towards the wagon.

“I have not!” Eggers protested.

Turpin tsked under his breath and turned his attention to the three young men. The older of the three stepped defiantly in front of the others, while the one in the fancy jacket put a protective arm around the youth. “I’ll have you know we took no shilling from this man,” he began angrily.

“I didn't think you had,” Dick said mildly. “Are you Samuel?”

“Er yes....” came the wary response.

“You have a young lady waiting for you in Rushby,” Dick told him quietly, keeping his voice down so Eggers couldn't hear him.. “Wouldn’t want you to be late for your wedding so we came to fetch you.” He looked at the other two. “One of you must be Luke....”

“That’s me,” said the young man in the fancy jacket. “This here’s Ben....Stable lad at the Boar. They grabbed him and stuffed him in as we left....”

“Did he now,” Dick growled, shooting a glare at Eggers.

There was a splintering crunch from the wagon and a triumphant yelp from Swiftnick followed by the jingle of coins. “Found it!” 

Dick grinned at the pained expression on Eggers’ face. “Excellent. Ben, why don’t you go and help the Corporal.....” He shot a warning look at Samuel as the potter opened his mouth to protest. Ben scooted off to help Swiftnick, clearly curious about the jingling sound. “And Samuel and Luke here can tie these gentlemen up....”

“What for?” Samuel wondered. “Aren’t we going to take....?”

“Oh, Sam, do stop asking questions. After what they’ve done to us and the way they scared poor Ben, the least we can do is tie them up. There was some rope in the wagon....,” Luke answered before Turpin could. The potter gave his friend a dubious look, but followed his lead as he went to find the rope.

“You’re going to tie us up and leave us here?” Eggers wondered.

“Aye, so I am. Trussed like a couple of chickens for the pot....” Dick confirmed.

“You’re not taking us to Makepeace?”

“Waste of time I suspect,” Turpin sighed.  “Your man’s a nobleman, right? He’ll buy you out of trouble to keep you quiet then arrange to get you bumped off....”

Eggers and the solider exchanged an uneasy look.

“You want to think about that,” Dick warned. “Dangerous game you’re playing, Eggy....”

“So are you, captain....” Eggers responded tartly. “But maybe we’ll do as you say and avoid him for a while....”

Dick smiled mirthlessly. “Good idea. So, if you don't want me to take you to Makepeace, you’d better tell me his name....”

Eggers winced. “Ah.....”

Turpin nodded. “That’s right, Eggy. Makepeace knows all about your nobleman. That’s why I'm here. To find him. See, believe it or not, I have no interest in you. You’re simply a fly that landed in my ale. So tell me what I want to know and you can buzz off and stay out of my way because next time I’ll shoot the ruddy pair of you.....”

“What about the money?” protested the soldier.

“Call it a wedding present....” said Eggers hastily. “And it was Lord Chipley.”

“Typical....” Turpin snorted in disgust. “Fat headed twit that he is....” Dick broke off, glancing at Luke and Samuel as they returned. “Ah, excellent, the rope. Well, since we can’t hang them, we might as well tie them up....”

                                                            * * *

At the instance of both Maude and Samuel, Dick and Swiftnick had stayed to see the happy couple married and then to take part in the festivities on the village green where everyone in Rushby seemed to have gathered to celebrate. The marriage was a popular one and everyone seemed to have a gift; even Dick had unbent enough to offer his congratulations and a share in the coins from Eggers’ chest. Young Ben and Luke had also received a portion of the money; Dick having decided that they both deserved it.

 “Isn’t Chipley the one with the laugh like a horse?” Swiftnick asked curiously as he sipped from his pint of ale. Turpin had finally got around to telling his apprentice about how Eggers had been selling men to the gentry

 “That’s him,” Dick agreed around a mouthful of pickled onion and cheese. The village women had done Maude proud with their spread of food laid out on trestle tables borrowed from the pubs. The three innkeepers had also supplied a barrel of ale apiece, knowing that the celebrations would soon wend their inside the pubs when it grew dark.

“Didn’t we rob...”

“Not so loud!” Turpin hushed him hastily. “But aye, we did....”

“But he’s a fop and an idiot. What’s he want with his own private army then?”

“Not so much a private army as a bunch of toy soldiers,” Dick answered. “He’s too fond of his own skin to join the army and too thick to be a real officer, not that they’d have him anyway.  The army does have some standards after all. But from what I hear he likes to pretend to be an officer....”

“Wasn’t he wearing a uniform when we....”

“Yes! Hush....” Dick shot a wary look round, but everyone was too busy enjoying themselves to pay any attention to their hushed conversation. “Like I said, he likes to pretend and display his so called brigade to his friends...who no doubt all think he’s something special because of it.”

“Doesn’t seem right....” Swiftnick muttered.

 “It isn't right,” Dick agreed dryly.

“So what are we going to do about it?” Swiftnick asked expectantly.

“Do? Why should we do anything? It’s got nothing to do with us!”

“It’s not right you said....”

"Aye, so....?”

 "So you always get on your high horse about something that’s not right....”

 "I do not!”

 "Do...”

 "Do not ...”

 “Do....” Swiftnick smirked as Turpin reined himself in sharply.

 “All right, all right. I’ll do something about it.”

 “Such as?” Swiftnick pressed.

 Dick scowled, realising that his conscience had been neatly backed into a corner. “I’ll let Makepeace know about it; anonymously,” he muttered darkly. “I don’t want to get involved with him again if I can help it...”

 “How?”

 “I don’t know yet, do I? I’ll think about it. Glenrae can probably do it....” Dick paused, eyeing Swiftnick with exasperation and the youth helped himself to a slice of ham and waved at the serving maid from the pub that he had been flirting with. Luke who was dancing with her shot him an annoyed look but Swiftnick only grinned back in challenge.

“And stop causing trouble....” Dick added darkly.

“Who me?”

“Leave the lasses to the locals.”

“Why? You don’t.”

“You’re annoying Luke.”

“No, that’s because you’ve been flirting with his mother...”

“I have not!”

Swiftnick sniffed. “I wouldn’t be best pleased if you flirted with mine....”

Dick shot a quick look at him; flirting with Mary had been a hobby for so long with him that he doubted if Swiftnick even realised that’s what it was. “Look, his mother has been chasing me....Thinks I'm a good catch if I’m a carter she told Maude. I heard her....”

“A likely story. You’re not supposed to lie to girls....”

“Who told you that?” Dick demanded.

“You did!”

“Oh....” Turpin paused. “Well, I can’t tell her I'm a highwayman, how can I?”

“I suppose not.”

“Anyway, we’re not going to be here long....”

“It’s nice here...” Swiftnick slid another look towards the pretty serving girl and winked at her, blowing her a kiss. A furious scowl crossed Luke’s face and he started to stomp towards them, followed by the girl. Spotting where he was headed, Millie followed with a determined light in her eye.

“Oh you do believe in stirring it, don’t you?” Dick groaned, grabbing his arm. “Come on....”

The sudden cheer that went up at that moment startled them both into looking round wildly. To Dick’s alarm he caught a glimpse of something brightly coloured descending towards him out of the sky and he caught it instinctively, shocked to find himself holding Maude’s bouquet of wild roses and honeysuckle all tied up with pink ribbons.

“Oh....” said Millie looking at them in disappointment, then up at Turpin with the start of smile. With a gulp, Turpin thought fast and promptly smacked the flowers into Swiftnick’s arms, who found himself gazing at the dimpled knowing smile of the serving girl as the older highwayman took off in a rush.

“Sorry, got to go....” Dick yelped as he fled to the sound of Millie’s laughter. 

“Here....” blurted Swiftnick and shoved the bouquet at a bewildered Luke who was somewhat dismayed to find himself with the giggling serving girl promptly clamped to his arm as she toyed with the flowers and looked up at him hopefully. “Whatever you do, don't give them to her....” Swiftnick hissed at Luke in warning and then pelted after his partner.

Dick had paused to wait for him at the corner of the green. “Time to go....”

“We’re running away?”

“Strategic withdrawal,” Dick corrected.

“Running away then...” Swiftnick confirmed.

“You want to get caught by that girl?”

“You nearly dropped me in it with those flowers....” Swiftnick growled.

“Distraction,” Dick said blithely. “Obviously Luke was going to challenge you over her....”

“I’d have won....”

“You want to stay then?” Dick teased. “Only make sure she doesn’t throw her flowers at me when you get caught...”

“I’ll get the horses,” Swiftnick grinned.

“I’ll help you....” Shooting a wary look around to see if he could spot Millie, Dick followed his young partner. A little flirtation was one thing, anything more serious quite another. And he suspected Millie would hurt him if she found out a highwayman had dared to flirt with her.

Dick grinned, lengthening his stride. There were of course plenty more young ladies who he could flirt with who knew perfectly well who and what he and Swiftnick were. After all, what was the point of being a daring, dashing rogue of a highwayman if he couldn’t get a little fun out of it!

                                                            oooOooo