midnight
I was so ravished at this proposal that I embraced him affectionately , and assured him he might command my purse to the last farthing ; but he gave me to understand he had saved money sufficient to answer his own occasions ; and that he had a friend in London who would soon introduce him into business in that capital , and possibly have it in his power to serve me also . Having concerted the plan and settled our affairs that night , we departed next morning by daybreak , armed with a good cudgel each -LRB- my companion being charged with the furniture of us both crammed into one knapsack -RRB- , and our money sewed between the linings and waistbands of our breeches , except some loose silver for our immediate expenses on the road , We travelled all day at a round pace , but , being ignorant of the proper stages , were benighted at a good distance from any inn , so that we were compelled to take up our lodging at a small hedge alehouse , that stood on a byroad , about half-a-mile from the highway : there we found a pedlar of our own country , in whose company we regaled ourselves with bacon and eggs , and a glass of good ale , before a comfortable fire , conversing all the while very sociably with the landlord and his daughter , a hale buxom lass , who entertained us with great good humour , and in whose affection I was vain enough to believe I had made some progress . About eight o'clock we were all three , at our own desire , shown into an apartment furnished with two beds , in one of which Strap and I betook ourselves to rest , and the pedlar occupied the other , though not before he had prayed a considerable time extempore , searched into every corner of the room , and fastened the door on the inside with a strong iron screw , which he carried about with him for that use . I slept very sound till midnight when I was disturbed by a violent motion of the bed , which shook under me with a continual tremor . Alarmed at this phenomenon , I jogged my companion , whom , to my no small amazement , I found drenched in sweat , and quaking through every limb ; he told me , with a low faltering voice , that we were undone ; for there was a bloody highwayman , loaded with pistols , in the next room ; then , bidding me make as little noise as possible , he directed me to a small chink in the board partition through which I could see a thick-set brawny fellow , with a fierce countenance , sitting at a table with our young landlady , having a bottle of ale and a brace of pistols before him . I listened with great attention , and heard him say , in a terrible tone , `` D -- n that son of a b -- h , Smack the coachman ; he has served me a fine trick , indeed ! but d -- ion seize me , if I do n't make him repent it !