His whimsical little smile played about my lord’s mouth.

“ ’Tis an object for my life, Jim: a noble object. And I believe it amuses me to play Robin Hood⁠—take from the rich to give to the poor,” he added, for Salter’s benefit. “But to return to my victims⁠—you would have laughed had you but seen my little man come tumbling out of the coach when I opened the door!”

“Tumble, sir? Why should he do that?”

“He was at pains to explain the reason. It seems he had been commanded to hold the door to prevent my entering⁠—so when I jerked it open, sooner than loose his hold, he fell out on to the road. Of course, I apologised most abjectly⁠—and we had some conversation. Quite a nice little man.⁠ ⁠… It made me laugh to see him sprawling on the road, though!”

“Wish I could have seen it, your honour. I would ha’ liked fine to ha’ been beside ye.” He looked down at the lithe form with some pride. “I’d give something to see ye hold up a coach, sir!”