Part 31 (1/2)

Towering over Andrew, Robin displayed a careless disdain, ignoring him completely. When the point of Andrew's dagger suddenly pressed into the soft flesh under his chin, the lad was taken by complete surprise.

”Trying is all you'll get to do,” said Andrew drily, an edge of superiority in his voice. ”Never underestimate your opponent. Ask Robert!”

Robin s.h.i.+fted his weight backward, but the dagger matched his move, and its sharp point nicked the skin.

”Don't be stupid now!” hissed Andrew. ”Turn around!” The command had a steely ring to it.

”Do as he says, brother,” added Helen, recovering from her own surprise. She still hadn't antic.i.p.ated Andrew's swift action. ”Andrew isn't kidding. Indeed, ask Robert.”

Robin turned slowly, his expression wary. Andrew swiftly grabbed his right wrist and twisted his arm sharply up his back. An involuntary sound of pain escaped the big lad.

”Take it easy, man!” he begged.

The sharp point of the dagger pressed already into his ribs.

”Walk!” ordered Andrew and marched him to the Irish Rover, just 150 feet away. Helen picked up the saddlebags and hurried after them.

At the catwalk, he halted. ”Helen, go up please. I'll follow as soon as you're on deck.”

”Goodbye, Robin. Don't forget to tell Betty that I miss her. And tell mother I forgive her,” she called over her shoulder as she hurried up the plank.

”Give your father my compliments, too, and tell him I regret that we cannot share an occasional bottle of claret.” Saying that, Andrew shoved Robin forward forcefully, while at the same time blocking his feet. For the second time within two minutes, he took the tall lad by surprise. Robin lost his balance and fell onto the hard-packed ground. By the time he was back to his feet, Andrew had already covered half the catwalk. For a short moment, Robin seemed intent on going after him, but then he grinned somewhat sheepishly, shrugged his shoulders, and waved to Helen who was waiting at the railing. She waved back. Seconds later, the sailors hauled in the catwalk. The captain's orders to hoist the sails rang over the deck, echoed back by the crew. Helen and Andrew watched Robin hurry away along the wharf.

”We made it, love,” he murmured, standing behind her, his hands on her shoulders.

”Yes, we did, ... just barely. Robin was a fool to ignore you,” she replied, turning her face, flushed with excitement.

”Fortunately!”

”I think he's fetching father.”