Only An Irish Boy

Excerpt: ... bridle. "What are you going to do, Mr. Fairfax?" asked Colonel Preston, in surprise. By this time Fairfax had withdrawn a pistol from his inside pocket, and deliberately pointed it at his companion. "Good heavens! Mr. Fairfax, what do you mean?" "Colonel Preston," said the adventurer, "I want all the money you have about you. I know you have a considerable sum, for you have yourself acknowledged it." "Why," exclaimed Colonel Preston, startled, "this is highway robbery." "Precisely!" said Fairfax, bowing mockingly. "You have had the honor of riding with a highwayman. Will you be good enough to give me the money at once? I am in haste." "Surely, this is a joke, Mr. Fairfax. I have heard of such practical jokes before. You are testing my courage. I am not in the least frightened. Jump in the chaise again, and we will proceed." "That's a very kind way of putting it," said Fairfax, coolly; "but not correct. I am no counterfeit, but the genuine article. Fairfax is not my name. I won't tell you what it is, for it might be inconvenient." No man can look with equanimity upon the prospect of losing money, and Colonel Preston may be excused for not wishing to part with his eight hundred dollars. But how could he escape? He had no pistol, and Fairfax held the horse's bridle in a strong grasp. If he could only parley with him till some carriage should come up, he might save his money. It seemed the only way, and he resolved to try it. "Mr. Fairfax," he said, "if you are really what you represent, I hope you will consider the natural end of such a career. Turn, I entreat you, to a more honest course of life." "That may come some time," said Fairfax; "but at present my necessities are too great. Oblige me by producing your pocketbook." "I will give you one hundred dollars, and keep the matter a secret from all. That will be better than to expose yourself to the penalty of the law." "Colonel Preston, a hundred dollars will not satisfy me. You have eight hundred...