Next moment his right arm was seized from behind, the men in front ducked, and the first shot went off in the air.
"Here, none o' that, guv'nor!" said a set, determined voice.
The revolver was wrenched from his grasp, and he found himself on his back in the pathway.
"It is murder you'd be after! Eh?"
"Not so, my good fellow," said Peter. "I will explain."
"Explain, then."
"My duties are ended with Mr. Roland St. Clair. He owes me one month's wages. I have forfeited that and given warning, and am going. That is all."
"You are going, are you? Well, we shall see about that."
"Yes, you may, and now let me pass on my peaceful way."
"He! he! he! But tell us, Mr. Peter, why this speedy departure? Hast aught upon thy conscience, or hast got a conscience?"