"Well, I'm jiggered!" said one of the newcomers. "If it ain't little Hoity Toity!"
The peer had jumped from the Panhard. "Help me to secure this highwayman," he said, pointing to Cunningham. "He has robbed me."
The man who had just spoken also got down, but his companion remained on the car, stolidly surveying the scene.
"Come along," said the peer to his recruit. "I think we can manage him between us."
"Stow it, old man," said the motorist. "You collar the highwayman, and I'll look after the lady."
He brushed past the Earl, and, with proffered arm, smirked, "May I have the next dance, Miss?"
Lady Eva drew back. The man came still nearer. Instinctively she touched Cunningham's arm for protection.
"Stand back, sir!" he commanded.
"Who the juggins are you?" sneered the man. "This old buffer says you're a highwayman, but you seem to think you're a bloomin' bobby. You git, and let me have my partner for the high-kick lancers."
"If you come one step nearer I'll thrash you," said Cunningham.