"A thousand apologies for putting your lordship to such inconvenience,"
growled the highwayman with affected humility. "I'm sure your lordship
has too much sense not to perceive the force of an argument which you
will own is entirely on my side."
And he advanced the muzzle of the pistol a little nearer the head of the
old gentleman and then came an unpleasant click.
"What d'ye want, you scoundrel?" stammered the victim.
"Nay, a little more politeness, if you please. I simply want your watch
and chain, the rings on your fingers and any money you may chance to
have about you--gold in preference. Permit me to add that if you don't
turn out your pockets before I count ten I shall put a bullet in your
skull first and do the searching myself afterwards."
This command, uttered in fierce threatening tones, brought the unlucky
gentleman from Bath to book at once. Trembling, he turned out his
pockets and a number of guineas fell beside him on the seat. The
highwayman grabbed them at once.
"Your lordship is most generous and complaisant. Now for your trinkets.
Quick! Time is of great importance."
All the valuables the old gentleman possessed were yielded and pocketted
rapidly by the highwayman.
"Thanks, my lord, for a most agreeable interview. I trust your lordship
will reach your journey's end without further mishap."
Then to Lavinia's terror the highwayman turned towards her.
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