Besides I was unarmed, whereas they had each his pistol.

What could I do?
"The man who had read the letter carefully put it, along with the rough map of the Culverton grounds, into the fire, and the two sat and watched the papers as they burned.
"`He's a good man of business,' said Tom.
"`Middling,' replied the other; `and if he--' "At that moment my horse gave a sudden start in his sleep.

The quick ears of the two villains instantly caught the sound.
"`Hullo!' said one in a whisper, `what was that ?' "`Hist!' said the other, holding up his hand, `strike a light, Tom.' "While Tom obeyed I softly dropped on my hands and knees and crawled back to my old place beside the horse, where I lay motionless, and to all appearance in a profound sleep.
"`I'm sure I heard something,' said Tom, holding up the lantern.

From where they were they could see nothing but the side of the stall.

They therefore crept round stealthily; and as I lay I saw the light suddenly turn on the horse.
"`A nag, as I'm a Dutchman, and saddled too!' exclaimed Tom.
"`If that's so, the rider's not far off,' said the other, grimly, taking the lantern and advancing.
"It was all I could do to lie motionless, breathing heavily, as the light fell full on my face.
"`Ah! found him!' was the exclamation, as both rushed towards me.
"I heard the cocking of a pistol close beside me, and was conscious of a rude plucking at my arm.
"`Come, get up there! What do you do here?
Get up, do you hear ?' "I had one hope left, and it was a desperate one.
"I roused myself slowly, and with many feints, from my mock slumber, and rubbed my eyes and yawned, and stared first at one, then the other.
"`Get up,' again cried the men, still pulling my arm roughly, `and say what you're doing here.' "`Doing here ?' I drawled as unconcernedly as I could, stretching myself at the same time, `That's a pretty question to ask me.