You have eight hundred dollars with you, and I shall not leave this spot till it is transferred to my possession." "If I refuse ?" "You will subject me to the unpleasant alternative of blowing your brains out," said the other, coolly.
"You surely would not be guilty of such a crime, Mr.Fairfax ?" said Colonel Preston, with a shudder.
"I would rather not.

I have no desire to take your life, but I must have that money.

If you prefer to keep your money, you will compel me to the act.

You'll gain nothing, for in that case I shall take both--your life first, and your money afterward." "And this is the man with whom I dined, and with whom, a few moments since, I was conversing freely!" thought Colonel Preston.
The adventurer became impatient.
"Colonel Preston," he said, abruptly, "produce that money instantly, or I will fire." There was no alternative.

With reluctant hand the colonel drew out his pocketbook, and was about to hand it with its contents to the highwayman, when there was a sudden crash in the bushes behind Fairfax, his pistol was dashed from his hand, and our young hero, Andy Burke, with resolute face, stood with his gun leveled at him.