But he was too quick for me. With a movement of lightning-like rapidity, the which I had not imagined him or any man capable of, he bent forward, whipped a pistol out of his holster, pointed it at me, and pulled the trigger. For one brief second my eyes did close. There was a flash in the pan--thank God, nothing more. I had not, in spite of my fright, lowered my weapon. "Curses on the pistol!" he cried. I laughed. "If you do not instantly drop it in the road, I will pull the trigger." I think he realised now that I was in earnest, for he unclosed his fingers and the pistol fell to the ground. "Now," said I, "you need not look at the other weapon, for I myself drew the charges this morning." I was sure of my man now and I could afford to temporise. "You can examine it yourself," I continued confidently, "to make sure that further resistance on your part is futile. Only I warn you that, if you turn it never so little toward me, I will let you have this pistol, and I assure you it is thoroughly charged." With this permission he at once drew the other pistol from the holster, examined it, and, by command, dropped it in the road beside its useless fellow. "You have me at a disadvantage, Master Carthew. I am soldier enough to know when I am beaten. What do you wish of me?" he asked me quietly enough; too quietly, had I but known it. "Your despatches," I said. "My despatches?" "You can understand the English language," I continued, "even when spoken by a Scot. Hand them over, or I swear to you..." "This is foolish preparation for a commission in the King's service, boy." "I desire no service with that false King," I answered recklessly. "Are you for Monmouth, then?" "I am." "Why, Lord love ye, boy, the Duke hath been executed long since on Tower Hill, and..." "I'm for myself, then!" I cried. "We waste words. Your despatches!" "I have liked you," said the man gently, looking at me quite pleasantly, with a little smile upon his lips. "There is the making in you of a rare soldier, for all your slender, almost feminine appearance." At that my pistol did waver for a second,--it was terribly heavy, I found, extended out before me,--but only for a second. "Be advised. This is high treason. You will die for it surely." "On my own head be the consequences. I appreciate the kindness of your warning. Once and for all, will you give over the packet." "Needs must with such a persuader," he said, smiling. He reached his left hand into his breast pocket and drew forth a heavy leather wallet. He extended his hand toward me. I was new at the business; I should have had him drop it in the road and ride on, but such was my eagerness for it that I spoke to my horse and advanced a pace to meet him.