"Stand," said his Grace calmly.
"Bien! Throw your arms down here at my feet, and—ah—release Mademoiselle!"
They made no move to obey, and my lord shrugged deprecatingly, lowering his point to Tracy's throat.
"Eh bien!"
They still hesitated, casting anxious glances at their master. "Obey," ordered the Duke.
Each man threw down a pistol, eyeing Jack furtively, while the girl ran to her aunt, who began to soothe and fuss over her.
Jack stifled a yawn.
"It is not my intention to remain here all night. Neither am I a child—or a fool. Dépêchez!"
Belmanoir saw that the coachman had his blunderbuss ready and was only too eager to fire it, and he knew that the game was up. He turned his head towards the reluctant bullies who looked to him for orders.
"Throw down everything!" he advised.