Dick Turpin

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Dick enters a village by moonlight and by standing on his horse unfastens a latticed window of a house, creeps into the bedroom, and an old woman in fear and trembling of the pistol leveled at her, wisely hands over her valuables. The highwayman is at an inn drinking with a confederate, when he is surprised by a number of mounted constables, who are after him. A struggle ensues but Dick, helped by a pretty barmaid, is successful in making his escape. An exciting chase through the country. Dick holds up a coach, scares the occupants, and rides off. The coach has not proceeded far, when it is again stopped, this time by the constables, who are anxious to learn the whereabouts of "The Knight of the Road." An exchange is made with one of the passengers, who, knowing the country well, is eager to assist: The pursuers have to change horses, because their animals are distressed. Dick stops at an inn for refreshment when he hears his pursuers approaching. The landlord argues and tries to disarm their suspicions, but they rush past him in time to see their prey vanish through the back door. They tear furiously after him. Clearing a high toll-gate, Dick leaves the officers far behind. They are further hindered by the toll-keeper, who insists upon his full dues before opening the gate. The highwayman meets a pretty maiden, and with kisses seals her promise to mislead the constables. While they are galloping along in quite a wrong direction, Dick encounters a friend in distress, with whom he generously shares his plunder. The final scene shows the death of his famous horse, "Black Bess," and Dick is heart-broken at the loss of his faithful friend and companion.