"You lied to us, you long-headed Yankee turncoat," muttered another. "What in thunder do you mean bringing us down here for kidnapping a lady?"
"Ain't I worried about it as much as you?" answered Rawbon. "Can't you understand it's all a mistake?"
"Well, now, you go and apologize to Miss Weems and fix matters, d'ye hear?"
"But what can we do?"
"Do? Undo what you've done, and show her back into the boat."
"But the two abo"—
"Damn them and you along with 'em! Come, boys, don't let's keep the lady waiting thar."
The party approached their prisoners, and one among them, hat in hand, respectfully addressed Oriana.
"Miss Weems, we're plaguy sorry this should 'a happened. It's a mistake and none of our fault. Your boat's down thar and yer shan't be merlested."
"Am I free to go?" asked Oriana, calmly.