But Hagthorpe laughed at him; and then my lady laughed too, on a note that was horrible in its evil, spiteful glee.
'Don't argue with the dog. Pistol him. You've my warrant for it, Walter. I'm witness to his mutiny. Pistol him, man.'
Thus insistently and imperatively ordered, the man carried a hand to the holster of his belt. But even as he drew the weapon, the Captain leaned over from the saddle, and the butt of his heavy riding–crop crashed upon the overseer's hand, sending the pistol flying. The fellow cried out in pain and amazement.
'Be easy now,' said Blood. 'I've saved your life, so I have. For it would have cost you no less if you had fired that pistol.'
'Captain Peter!' It was a cry of indignant, incredulous protest from Lady Court.
He turned to her, and the scorn in his eyes, so vividly blue under their black brows, struck her like a blow.
'What are you? A woman? Od's blood, ma'am, in London Town I've seen poor street–walkers carted that were more womanly.'
She gasped. Then fury rallied her courage to answer him. 'I have a husband, sir, I thank God. You shall answer to him for that.' She drove a vicious spur into her horse, and departed at the gallop, leaving him to follow as he listed.
'Sure and I'll answer to all the husbands in the world,' he called after her, and laughed.
Then he beckoned Hagthorpe forward. 'Here, my lad. You'll come and answer with me. I am going to see justice done, and I know better than to leave you at the mercy of an overseer while I'm about it. Take hold of my stirrup–leather. You're coming with me to Sir James. Stand back there, my man, or I'll ride you down. It's to your master I'll be accounting for my actions, not to you.'