Richard, no. In the earliest extant version they have gone from the woods and up the road merrily before they are attacked. I think the simplest thing will be to post the whole of Paul Burges's 102-line ballad to stop all the conjecturing.
I have had some bad experiences in losing whole posts after half an hour's typing so I may post it in sections.


The Three Worthy Butchers of the North
(preamble)
I weep and I wail, and travel much in pain, (travail?)
Now all my youthful days are past they'l never come again;
Once I was a Man, but now alas! I am none,
For all my companions are from me fled and gone.

TO A PLEASANT NEW TUNE

Did you ever hear of worthy Butchers three,
And how they spent their days in mirth and jollity?
There was Kitson, Wilson, and Johnson (mark me what I say),
They took 300 pounds worth of Goods upon a day.
When as the day of payment began for to draw near,
Their money to their Creditors intended for tobear;
And riding thorow Blankly-lane as fast as they cou'd trig,
"Be merry, my hearts, said Johnson, let us sing up a jig.
    With a hey down, down, with a down derry dee,
    God bless all true men out of Thieves' company."