As Oleta had, he found the undergrowth and the thickness of the wood constricting.
He guided his horse out of it.
As he did so, moving between the trees and passing through some tall and thick bushes, he heard a coarse voice say,
“Gimme your money and I’ll take your ‘orse while I’m about it.”
There was a cry of horror and a woman’s voice screamed,
“You cannot do that! You cannot!”
The Duke moved round the bushes and one quick glance told him what was happening.
He drew the pistol from its place in the saddle.
As he did so, the highwayman transferred his pistol into his left hand and moved his horse nearer to Oleta.
He was very obviously intending either to take her money from her or to catch hold of Apollo’s bridle.
Before he could do either the Duke with a voice of thunder orde
