"To be frank, madame," he said, "you may dub me a gatherer of taxes."
"Explain."
"Being unfortunates and outcasts from the lawful ways of life, my men and I seek to remedy the injustice of the world by levying toll on folk more happy than ourselves."
"Then you condemn me as fortunate?"
"Your defence, madame."
The girl smiled with her lips, but her eyes were hard and bright as steel.
"I might convince you otherwise," she said, "but no matter. Why should I be frank with a thief, even though he be nobly born?"
"Because, madame, the thief may be of service to the lady."
"I have little silver for your wallet."
"Am I nothing but a money-bag!"