Carstares sat down and started to pull on one boot.

“I foresee we shall be at one another’s throats ere long,” he prophesied cheerfully. “Did I tell you that I informed Mr. Beauleigh of my⁠—er⁠—profession today?”

Miles forgot his anger in surprise.

“Ye never told him ye were a highwayman?” he cried.

“Yes, I did. Why not?”

“Why not? Why wot? God help us all! are ye daft, man? Do ye intend to tell every other person ye meet what ye are? Bedad, ’tis mad ye are entirely!”

Carstares sighed.

“I was afraid you would not understand.”

“ ’Twould take a wizard to understand ye! Another chivalrous impulse, I doubt not?”