“Can I have that horse there?”
“I’ll saddle him for you. I can lead him down to the ravine to where your horse lies, and get your side-saddle.”
“Which road do I take to get to the railway?”
“I don’t know, but I can give you a map and a compass.”
“Get them, please.” She had plenty of will, that was certain; but I couldn’t afford to let her bluff me. I went into the cottage and rummaged about till I found the compass and the map, and then added a touch of realism. I took a spare revolver and loaded it, and held it out to her with some extra ammunition.
“You had better take these as well.” She took them and then drove in the spur in her turn, by saying in her haughtiest manner:
“You shall be paid for them, Burgwan.”
“You can give the value of them to a charity in Belgrade,” I answered. We were both angry now. “Are you ready?”
She was pinning her hat, and when I saw that her fingers trembled, I had hard work to persist. But I held on.
“Yes,” she said, after a moment.