Page:Marriott Watson--Galloping Dick.djvu/84

 soon be dragged forth and paraded before James Stuart’s eyes. You” He paused and looked at me very troubled.

I put out my hand, for the man’s courage was agreeable. “I will deliver them,” says I, “or burn them.”

For a moment more he wavered, and next, with a shifty glance behind him, “I must trust you,” he says desperately, and with a nervous action of his fingers began plucking at his long cuffs. But at that instant, and ere more could pass between us, Sir Ralph’s voice broke in like a pistol-shot.

“The Devil take you, Ryder,” said he angrily, “stand aback there, or you and I shall have to make of that little affair a matter of business rather than of diversion; and that mighty soon.”

Baverstock dropped his hands, aghast, being the next second in the clutch of the soldiers; while as for me, this smart command was hardly to my custom.

“The sooner the better, Sir Ralph,” said I, as sharp as himself. “And I have yet to