“Oh, nothing very particular,” said Gates. “I hope your life is insured.”
“What for?”
“Because there is a gang of robbers in this forest, the driver says. If we meet them, they may take a fancy to cut our throats.”
“Let me get out!” roared the frightened Dutchman. “I will nicht stay to have meine throat cut. How will I get home to meine Frau?”
“It won’t do any good, your getting out,” said the driver. “The robbers are just as likely to be behind as before. The best thing to do is to push on.”
The driver’s words were unexpectedly verified. Before he had fairly finished speaking, two men sprang out from the covert from opposite sides of the road. One seized the horse by the bridle. The other advanced, pistol in hand, to parley with the passengers.
CHAPTER XXXII
CAPTURED BY HIGHWAYMEN.
“WHAT do you want?” demanded Gates.