"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. She shrank into her corner of the coach.
"Pray don't be alarmed, madam. I never rob women unless they tempt me very much. Some are so foolish as to wear all the gewgaws they possess. But you have more sense I see. Yet a diamond would vastly set off the whiteness of that pretty little hand. Your gallant must be very dull not to have ornamented your charming fingers."