"If he didn't, the chances are that the coach, when passing over Hounslow Heath, would be attacked by highwaymen or footpads, and the passengers robbed, if not murdered," answered Nettleship.
"Paddy Finn"
W. H. G. Kingston
At the time, the roads of England were infested with highwaymen, and footpads.
"The White Gauntlet"
Mayne Reid
It is no easy part to play-and play gracefully-that of being conspicuously presented; but the same courage that had distinguished the cavalier in his encounter with Garth and his footpads, was again exhibited in that more imposing-perhaps more dangerous-presence.
"The White Gauntlet"
Mayne Reid