Prudence began to ask questions, and received a multitude of answers. One man swore to two enormous ruffians; another described one small villain, and one huge one and the third man had no very clear idea of anything save that Miss Grayson’s pearls had been torn from her neck by a fellow who held a pistol to her head. There was some argument over this: not one of the braves could agree with another’s version. Prudence let them run on awhile, but silenced all soon with a curt word. “And not one of you to lift a finger? I make you my compliments. Put the body into the coach and drive back to town. You will be required to answer for this.”
Then it seemed that no one could decide where to take Mr Markham’s body: that was the reason of all this delay. Prudence settled it out of hand, and gave orders for its conveyance to Mr Markham’s lodgings. With cool foresight she recommended that the officers of the law should be instantly apprised of this terrible happening. Having seen the post-chaise drawn to one side of the road, she nodded to John, and Miss Merriot’s carriage drove past.
Inside the light town coach Miss Letty clasped Robin’s hand and shivered. Robin had much ado to keep from catching her in his arms. She was shaken and frightened; she had seen death — and violent death at that — for the first time; and she had undergone an eleventh-hour rescue. Robin soothed gently, and when she grew calmer ventured a question or two. “Did you say it was highwaymen, child?” he asked in a puzzled voice.
Miss Letty nodded vigorously. “Yes, two of them. They stole my pearls.”
Robin affected surprise. “But, my dear, highwaymen don’t offer to fight duels,” he pointed out.
“I don’t know anything about that,” said Miss Letty, “but these men were certainly robbers.”
Robin smiled in the darkness, well-pleased. His flighty lady-love could keep a discreet tongue in her head, it seemed. “What was the man who fought Markham like to look at?” he inquired.
There was the tiniest pause. “I don’t know,” said Letty. “Just like anybody.”
“Short or tall?” Robin pressed.
“Oh, of medium height — rather tall! said Letty, blandly disregarding the truth. “And he had brown hair — and — and he was not at all out of the common way.”