“And why was I told that your presence would be protection?”
“Because, sir, if it should fail to be, it is that no other man's in Europe could be such.”
“I 'll not turn back, if you mean that,” said Skeff, boldly; and for the first time on the journey M'Caskey turned round and took a leisurely survey of his companion.
“You are, I hope, satisfied with my personal appearance,” said Skeff, insolently.
“Washy, washy,” said M'Caskey, dryly; “but I have met two or three of the same stamp who had pluck.”
“The freedom of your tongue, sir, inclines me very considerably to doubt yours.”
M'Caskey made a bound on his seat, and threw his cigar through the window, while he shouted to the postilion to stop.
“Why should he stop?” asked Skeff.
“Let us settle this at once; we 'll take each of us one of the carriage lamps and fire at the word three. One—two—three! Stop, I say.”
“No, sir; I shall hold myself at your orders, time and place fitting, but I 'll neither shoot nor be shot at like a brigand.”