I was not sure, for the man acted his part rarely well, only that I knew it was not in Le Gaire's nature to be so excessively polite.

What was his game, I wondered, gripping my musket with both hands, my eyes following his every motion.

Would he venture an attack alone, or ride on and report me to the guard?
I had little enough time in which to speculate.

He gathered up the reins in one hand, his horse cavorting; he had probably found somewhere a fresh mount.

I stepped aside, but the animal still faced me, and with high-flung head partially concealed his rider.