Guy Mannering.

GUY MANNERING. 309
With these reflections, Brown took from the gipsy's
treasure three or four guineas, for the purpose of his
immediate expenses, and tying up the rest in the purse
which contained them, resolved not again to open it, until
he could either restore it to her by whom it was given, or
put it into the hands of some public functionary. He
next thought of the cutlass, and his first impulse was to
leave it in the plantation. But when he considered the
risk of meeting with these ruffians, he could not resolve
on parting with his arms. His walking-dress, though
plain, had so much of a military character as suited not
amiss with his having such a weapon. Besides, though
the custom of wearing swords by persons out of uniform
had been gradually becoming antiquated, it was not yet
so totally forgotten as to occasion any particular remark
towards those who chose to adhere to it. Retaining,
therefore, his weapon of defence, and placing the purse
of the gipsy in a private pocket, our traveller strode
gallantly on through the wood in search of the promised
high road.