“Who among you loves Colonel Blood? tell me that,” said old Bates.
The name was received with savage oaths.
“Not one, I perceive,” said old Bates; “so much the better. And now I’ll tell you what I have on hand.”
Solemn silence ensued, as Bates said,
“Blood is going down to Darlington to-night, to arrest Jack, who is here. I have put the colonel off the right scent.”
“The devil!—to arrest me?” said Jack, with an oath.
“Silence! Jack,” growled several, with threatening looks. “Silence, and listen to Master Bates; he is our captain now—not you.”
“Well, and while Blood is away on this wild-goose chase, Jack has proposed to rob his house.”
“Capital idea,” said all.
“So think I,” said Bates; “so come, prepare yourselves. Put masks in your pockets, and bring a rope ladder with you.”