she continued, pointing to one at the distance of about a mile, with an accent and air meant to carry intimidation. "Again I cay, take ray advice ; give me the bags, and speed back the road you came for the present, nor dare to approach that wood for at least two or three hours to come." There was in such language from a strip ling something so surprising that the man looked on Miss Cochrane for an instant ia silent and unfeigned amazement. " If," said he, as soon as he fonnd hia tongue, "you mean, my young master, to maka yourself merry at my expense, you are welcome. I am no sour churl to take offence at the idle words of a foolish boy. But if," he said, taking one of hia pistoJs from the holster, and turning its muzzle towards her, " you are mad enough, to harbour oaeseiious thought of such a matter,. lam ready for you. But methinks, my lad/ you Beem at an age when robbing a garden or an old woman's fruit-stall would bent you better, if you must turn thief, than takiag his Majesty's mails from a stout man sM6h as. lam upon hia highway. Be thankful, how- - ever, that you have met with one who will not shed blood if he can help it, and sheer off before you provoke me to fire." " Nay," said his young antagonist, " I am not fonder of bloodshed than you are ; but if you will not be pursuaded, what oan I do ? For I have told you the truth — ' that mail I must and will have.' So now chooße," she continued, as she drew one of the small pistols from under her cloak, and deliberately cocking it, presented it in his face. "Nay then, your blood be on your own head," said the fellow, as he raised his hand and fired his pistol, which, however, only flashed in the pan. Dashing the weapon to the ground, he lost not a moment in pulling out the other, which he also aimed at his assailant, and fired with the same result. 