He spoke with a mocking note in his voice and William Travers laughed.
“After all we have been through together,” he said, “I can appreciate the importance really lies in the fact that it is very different from death and damnation.”
“That describes the events of the last few minutes very eloquently,” the Duke replied, “but you realise it is vitally important that from this moment William Travers, the highwayman with a price on his head, is a dead man.”
He spoke seriously and gave a brief glance at Giles lying at their feet.
“I can only say thank you,” William Travers said in a voice that vibrated with sincerity.
“I did not foresee what has actually happened,” the Duke went on, “but I was aware that it would be a tragedy and a dreadful waste of your abilities for you to continue being
