I think the story line is a bit sad, because Bess, the landlord's daughter died. She killed herself to warn the highway man with her death. After he knew that Bess had died, he wanted to get revenge and got killed.The whole class was upset,

If I could change the end, it would be for them to make a great escape on the Highway man's horse and live together forever.

Emmanuel

The Highway Man By Alfred Hoyes