Behind the Servian the little soldier answered sharply in English:
“All steady, sir!”
The use of a strange tongue added to the Servian’s bewilderment, and he fled toward the gate, with Oscar hard after him. Then Armitage suddenly leaped out of the shadows directly in his path and stopped him with a leveled revolver.
“Easy work, Oscar! Take the gentleman’s gun and be sure to find his knife.”
The task was to Oscar’s taste, and he made quick work of the Servian’s pockets.
“Your horse was a good despatch bearer. You are all sound, Oscar?”
“Never better, sir. A revolver and two knives—” the weapons flashed in the moonlight as he held them up.
“Good! Now start your friend toward the bungalow.”
They set off at a quick pace, soon found the rough driveway, and trudged along silently, the Servian between his captors.
When they reached the house Armitage flung open the door and followed Oscar and the prisoner into the long sitting-room.