I threw myself in a corner of the carriage, and with the bitterest thoughts at my heart, tried to think of some means of escape, while I awaited the coming of the principal brigand. St. Nivel sat opposite to me, and I saw by his set jaw and knitted brows that he considered the situation very serious. We had not long to wait for the chief. A heavy footstep came along the corridor and presently an immense bulk entered the doorway with a great masked head above it.
The man was a half-breed and a giant, possessing immense strength; the reason of his chieftainship was very evident.
"Which is Anstruther?" he asked abruptly, as he came in, with a strong foreign accent.
His subordinate pointed to me.
"Carajo! Mr. Anstruther," the giant began, "I hope you are not going to give us any trouble. You don't look very amiable!"
I simply looked at him and did not answer.
"My lieutenant here," the chief proceeded, "has no doubt acquainted you with my wishes. We want that little packet of yours, which you are carrying to Valoro."
"What little packet?" I asked superciliously.
"The little packet which you fetched from your lawyer's office just before you left London," he replied, with a smile; adding at my look of astonishment, "you see we know your movements pretty well."
I gave an impatient toss of my head, and felt inclined to drive my fist into the man's great fat face, the only part of which I could see was a great thick-lipped mouth with fine white teeth grinning through a black beard.