The two occupants of the new car hardly heard him. They were lost in astonishment. As the dancers reached the verge of the road in the full flare of the light, they were greeted with a round of applause. With a snap Lord Tadcaster turned off the gramophone. "Well, I'm jiggered!" said one of the newcomers. "If it ain't little Hoity Toity!" The peer had jumped from the Panhard. "Help me to secure this highwayman," he said, pointing to Cunningham. "He has robbed me." The man who had just spoken also got down, but his companion remained on the car, stolidly surveying the scene. "Come along," said the peer to his recruit. "I think we can manage him between us." "Stow it, old man," said the motorist. "You collar the highwayman, and I'll look after the lady." He brushed past the Earl, and, with proffered arm, smirked, "May I have the next dance, Miss?" Lady Eva drew back. The man came still nearer. Instinctively she touched Cunningham's arm for protection. "Stand back, sir!" he commanded. "Who the juggins are you?" sneered the man. "This old buffer says you're a highwayman, but you seem to think you're a bloomin' bobby. You git, and let me have my partner for the high-kick lancers." "If you come one step nearer I'll thrash you," said Cunningham. The man needed no further encouragement. He even dared to touch the lady's arm. A second later he measured his length on the turf. His friend tumbled from his seat with anxious chivalry. "'Ere, you leave my pal alone," he said, rolling up to Cunningham. "Shut up, Sammy," said the other, rising slowly to his feet. "Now, look you here, Mr. Highwayman," he continued vindictively. "You've had your score, now I'll have mine. Either this lady has a hop with me to my own time and tune, and gives me a kiss at the end, or----" "Or what?" "Or I ride on to Harrogate, and give the police information of highway robbery." "There's your car," said Cunningham. "Ride on." "He's not likely to wait for the arrival of the police," said the Earl ruefully, yet anxious for the departure of these impossible helpers. "I shall be back with a bobby in twenty minutes," the man rejoined, "and we'll telephone to every town in the district so that he can't escape. I'm not in fightin' form myself to-night, so I'd rather do it in proper legal style. I'll bring a solicitor if I can find one. Now, young feller," he continued, "you'd better consider well. It'll be a twelve months' touch for you for robbery and six for 'sault and battery. Are you going to let your friend sacrifice himself on the altar of nonsense, Miss? I think our steps 'ud soot each other amazing." Cunningham advanced on him threateningly. "If you dare to speak another word to the lady you'll find yourself on the ground again," he said.