It gratified the outlaw to see how much afraid of him the farmer was, even in his helpless condition. But he could not flatter himself that he had inspired any terror in Luke Robbins. Against his will he was compelled to pay tribute to the resolute courage of the Quaker detective. As he met the gaze of the farmer he smiled to himself sardonically.
“You’ve got the advantage of me,” he said. “I am bound and helpless, while you are free and are armed. Still you are afraid of me.”
“Why should I be?” asked Mason, but his tone was not firm.
“Yes, why should you be? I’ll tell you. If ever I have you where I am now I’ll give you fifteen minutes to say your prayers.”
“Oh, what a terrible man!” said Mrs. Mason with a shudder. “You wouldn’t kill him?”
“Yes, I would. But there is one way of escape.”
“What is that?”
“Loose these bonds and let me go before your Quaker friend comes down and your life will be safe, and your wife’s.”
Ezekiel Mason shook his head feebly.
“I don’t dare to do it,” he said.