The team of horses looked at him askance as though appreciating the situation, while the face of Horseshoe Ned grew black with rage.
“Ter think I can’t protect her,” he muttered.
To have his fair passenger robbed of her money and jewels while in his keeping was a terrible thought to the driver. Yet he was powerless, as the slightest resistance on his part meant instant death to him. So the road-agent, still covering the driver with his rifle, rode nearer to the coach.
“You will force me to-give up all?” said Ruth, in a voice that showed she was deeply moved.
“Every dollar and valuable you have along,” was the stern rejoinder.
“Then I suppose there is no help for me,” and she opened the satchel and placed her hand within it.
“None, my pretty miss, for I need all you have, and more, too.”
“Then take all that I have to give!”
As the words were uttered the hand came quickly out of the satchel, and a sharp report followed.
With a cry of pain the road-agent dropped his rifle into the stream, for his right arm was shattered. Then, with a savage oath, he dropped his left hand upon his revolver on his hip.