The Repentant Rake Read Online Free PDF Page A

desperately ill but I like to think that I helped to
sustain her while I was there. The doctor holds out little hope.'
        'I'm
sorry to hear that.'
        'It
comes to us all,' said Mills resignedly. He brightened at once. 'But I'll not
burden you with my family problems. I'm so relieved to spend some time on the
road with a gentleman. Some of these fellows,' he added, nodding in the
direction of the three full tables, 'have yet to learn proper manners.' Another
roar went up as a more uncouth jest was passed around. 'Do you take my point?'
        'I
do, Mr Mills.'
        'I
could see that you would.'
        Zachary
Mills was a pleasing companion, urbane, well-spoken and attentive. When he had
ordered his own meal, he insisted on buying Christopher a second tankard of
beer. The conversation was confined to neutral subjects and Mills made no
attempt to pry into Christopher's personal affairs. The latter was grateful for
that and glad that he would have someone to share the next stage of the
journey. In the event of attack from highwaymen two swords were better than
one, and Mills had the air of a man who knew how to use his blade. As time
passed, however, the rowdiness increased among the other travellers and the two
men left by tacit consent. They strolled towards the stables, talking amiably
about the advantages of living in London, a city that Mills seemed to know extremely
well. He had a sophistication that had been notably lacking among the other
guests at the inn. Christopher warmed to him even more.
        When
they entered the stables, however, Mills's manner changed at once. Putting a
hand in the small of Christopher's back, he pushed him so firmly that the
latter stumbled to the ground. Christopher was on his feet at once, swinging
round to face the other man and ready to demand the reason for the unwarranted
shove. He found himself staring down the barrel of a pistol and his question
was answered. The plausible friend was a cunning robber. Mills gave him a broad
grin.
        'You
should have stayed with the others, Mr Redmayne. Safety in numbers.'
        'I
took you for a gentleman.'
        'Why,
so I am, good sir.'
        'Indeed?'
        'I
extend every courtesy to the people I rob.'
        Christopher
was sarcastic. 'What would your sick mother say?'
        'She's
in no position to say anything, alas. She died several years ago.'
        'Out
of a sense of shame at her son, no doubt.'
        'Do
not vex me, Mr Redmayne,' cautioned the other. 'This pistol is loaded. All you
have to do is remove that satchel and hand it over with your purse. I'll then
be obliged to bind and gag you while I make good my escape. By the time that
drunken crowd stumble out here and find you, I'll be well clear.'
        'How
will you tie me up?'
        'I
have rope in the saddlebags directly behind you.'
        Christopher
glanced over his shoulder. 'I see that you planned this very carefully, Mr
Mills,' he said with grudging respect.
        'I
leave nothing to chance.'
        'That
remains to be seen.'
        'I'd
advise against any futile heroics.'
        'I'll
remember that,' said Christopher, weighing up the possibilities of escape. They
were severely limited. 'May I ask why you singled me out?'
        'The
satchel gave you away, I'm afraid.'
        'Did
it?'
        'Yes,
my friend. In all' the time we were at the table, you never once took it from
round your neck. That means it contains something valuable.'
        'It
does. Something that I'll not part with easily.'
        'Gold?'
        'Drawings.'
        Mills
was sceptical. 'Drawings?'
        'Correct,
sir.'
        'I've
no time to play games, Mr Redmayne.'
        'It's
the truth. I'm an architect by profession and I've been visiting a client who
wishes me to design a new house for him.' He patted his satchel. 'The
preliminary sketches are in here. They'd be worthless to you and it's vital
that I keep