He might find shelter behind the body of the good steed yet.
"What do you want with me ?" he asked, speaking as calmly as he could, but bitterly regretting the carelessness which had omitted to load again his pistol after the brush with the footpads of the previous night.

He had meant to do it before falling asleep, but drowsiness had come quickly upon him, and he was now practically at the mercy of the man who stood in the cave's mouth, for there was no way of escape save past him.
"I only want your money, my young friend," answered the man, whose face was becoming more visible every moment in the growing light.
"I doubt not you have a bag of gold pieces somewhere upon your person.

Give them up to me, and you shall go your way in peace." The veins on Tom's forehead swelled with rage and impotent fury.

He set his teeth, and his voice sounded hoarse and choked.
"You will have to take my life first," he said.
"Nay, but that is folly," remonstrated the elder man, who had a rather fine face, and much of the air and manner of a gentleman, as Tom was quick to perceive.

"I desire no man's death; I only ask for his gold, which is, after all, but the dross of the earth; and life for a fine young fellow like yourself is full of joyous promise, even though he carry no purse with him." "I tell you," answered Tom, in the same stubborn way, "that if you take my money, you will have first to take my life.