The man needed no further encouragement. He even dared to touch the lady's arm. A second later he measured his length on the turf.
His friend tumbled from his seat with anxious chivalry.
"'Ere, you leave my pal alone," he said, rolling up to Cunningham.
"Shut up, Sammy," said the other, rising slowly to his feet. "Now, look you here, Mr. Highwayman," he continued vindictively. "You've had your score, now I'll have mine. Either this lady has a hop with me to my own time and tune, and gives me a kiss at the end, or——"
"Or what?"
"Or I ride on to Harrogate, and give the police information of highway robbery."
"There's your car," said Cunningham. "Ride on."
"He's not likely to wait for the arrival of the police," said the Earl ruefully, yet anxious for the departure of these impossible helpers.
"I shall be back with a bobby in twenty minutes," the man rejoined, "and we'll telephone to every town in the district so that he can't escape. I'm not in fightin' form myself to-night, so I'd rather do it in proper legal style. I'll bring a solicitor if I can find one. Now, young feller," he continued, "you'd better consider well. It'll be a twelve months' touch for you for robbery and six for 'sault and battery. Are you going to let your friend sacrifice himself on the altar of nonsense, Miss? I think our steps 'ud soot each other amazing."