Come on, Monsieur; come on!' he continued, plucking at my arm.

'It is not safe here after sunset.

Pray God, Satan be not at home!' He had completely forgotten in his panic that he had anything to fear from me.

His gun dropped loosely across his saddle, his leg rubbed mine.
I saw this, and I changed my plan of action.

As our horses reached the stones I stooped, as if to encourage mine, and, with a sudden clutch, snatched the gun bodily from his hand, at the same time that I backed my horse with all my strength.