Though the hands held her rather roughly, Anne did not mind for herself, and turning she cried desperately, in tones intended to reach Bob’s ears: ‘They are at the back-door; try the front!’
But inexperienced Miss Garland little knew the shrewd habits of the gentlemen she had to deal with, who, well used to this sort of pastime, had already posted themselves at every outlet from the premises.
‘Bring the lantern,’ shouted the fellow who held her. ‘Why—’tis a girl! I half thought so—Here is a way in,’ he continued to his comrades, hastening to the foot of the ladder which led to Bob’s room.
‘What d’ye want?’ said Bob, quietly opening the door, and showing himself still radiant in the full dress that he had worn with such effect at the Theatre Royal, which he had been about to change for his mill suit when Anne gave the alarm.
‘This gentleman can’t be the right one,’ observed a marine, rather impressed by Bob’s appearance.
‘Yes, yes; that’s the man,’ said the sergeant. ‘Now take it quietly, my young cock-o’-wax. You look as if you meant to, and ’tis wise of ye.’
‘Where are you going to take me?’ said Bob.
‘Only aboard the Black Diamond. If you choose to take the bounty and come voluntarily, you’ll be allowed to go ashore whenever your ship’s in port. If you don’t, and we’ve got to pinion ye, you will not have your liberty at all. As you must come, willy-nilly, you’ll do the first if you’ve any brains whatever.’
Bob’s temper began to rise. ‘Don’t you talk so large, about your pinioning, my man. When I’ve settled—’
‘Now or never, young blow-hard,’ interrupted his informant.