"You were well treated, I hope, Miss Seldon?"
"With perfect respect and consideration, sir, I am happy to say, the only indignity being that I was blindfolded and had my hands bound in approaching and leaving the outlaw retreat; but I suppose that was necessary for the safety of the band."
"You certainly take it most coolly."
"Why do otherwise, sir?"
"Do you know the motive of the road-agents in making that poor crazy fellow a prisoner?"
"Money."
"How do you mean?"
"They doubtless captured his baggage, and discovered by it papers that went to show that a big ransom would be paid for his release."
"Ah! they will demand a ransom for him, then?"
"Assuredly."