Dick Turpin's Horse or Black Bess

I am called Bess, my coat is black as the night, and my man is called Dick Turpin. He is the greatest man in the world.

We stand beside the highway, under a great oak tree, where even the starlight dares not to enter. I am not afraid, I know that Dick would never lead me into danger.

I hear the hoofbeats of the horses and the creaking and bumping of the stagecoach long before Dick does. I love him, but I must admit he is a trifle dense at times.

The horses come into sight first, slowing as they top the hill. The coach lumbers over the rise, then seems to settle as it reaches level ground.

Dick gives me a tap on the flank with his heel, and I walk out onto the road, prancing a little, just to let the coach horses see that I am in charge here.

"Stand and deliver", Dick calls out, his strong voice loud and clear as a churchbell.

"Driver, keep your hands well above your head. Groom, jump down and bid the passengers alight." People have no idea that I understand every word, not even Dick.

Five people get down from the coach, three men, an old woman, and a girl. A very pretty girl, I might add. The old woman and one of the men are trembling.

"Now groom, take off your hat and pass before the passengers. Passengers, empty your pockets and purses into the hat. Also deposit your rings, watches and any other jewelry. Hold nothing back. I will surely shoot any who refuse."

Wallets, watches, rings, snuff boxes, crosses, scent bottles and silver buttons are joined by a wine flask, a necklace and two pairs of earrings, so that the hat is in danger of overflowing.

"Bring that here and put it all in this sack", Dick says, offering a flour sack to the groom. That done, he takes the sack and orders the groom to climb back atop the coach and throw down the luggage.

"One at a time now, step forward and open your cases, starting with you, old man." He points his pistol at the one on the right.

Just then the coach driver lowers his right hand toward the boot. Quick as a cat, Dick points the pistol straight at his head. "Another move will be your last."

The driver, pale as a sheet, raises his hands even higher than before.

When all the cases have been opened, their contents inspected and the valuables added to the sack, Dick nudges me forward 'til we're standing right beside the girl. Dick bends forward, encircles the girl with his strong right arm, and lifts her off her feet. He plants a kiss full on her lips, then gently sets her down again.

"Thanks to all for your cooperation. Now stay just as you are until you can no longer hear Black Bess's hoofbeats."

We wheel and gallop off towards home.

I can tell that Dick is happy, as he is whistling a tune, the one called The Country Lass. I am happy too. I know that tonight I shall have timothy and clover, and that Dick will throw a shilling to the stable boy and tell him to give me a good rubdown.

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