Never would he extort a trinket
to which association had given a sentimental worth; during a long career
he never left any man, save a Roundhead, penniless upon the road; nor
was it his custom to strip the master without giving the man a trifle
for his pains. His courage, moreover, was equal to his understanding.
Since he was afraid of nothing, it was not his habit to bluster when he
was not determined to have his way. When once his pistol was levelled,
when once the solemn order was given, the victim must either fight
or surrender; and Hind was never the man to decline a combat with any
weapons and in any circumstances.
Like the true artist that he was, he neglected no detail of his craft.
As he was a perfect shot, so also he was a finished horseman; and his
skill not only secured him against capture, but also helped him to the
theft of such horses as his necessities required, or to the exchange
of a worn-out jade for a mettled prancer. Once upon a time a credulous
farmer offered twenty pounds and his own gelding for the Captain's
mount. Hind struck a bargain at once, and as they jogged along the road
he persuaded the farmer to set his newly-purchased horse at the tallest
hedge, the broadest ditch. The bumpkin failed, as Hind knew he would
fail; and, begging the loan for an instant of his ancient steed, Hind
not only showed what horsemanship could accomplish, but straightway
rode off with the better horse and twenty pounds in his pocket. So
marvellously did his reputation grow, that it became a distinction to be
outwitted by him, and the brains of innocent men were racked to invent
tricks which might have been put upon them by the illustrious Captain.
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