"The Spaniards have got 'em," said Mason, laconically.
O'Connor looked first at the boy as if he thought it a joke, and then at Washington, in whose troubled face he read confirmation.
"Yas, Massa Cap'n; Spaniards got 'em, suah 'nough," said Washington, nodding his head vigorously in the affirmative.
"When, where, how did it happen?" asked O'Connor, rapidly.
"It was on the far side of the fust mountain, after we pass the fust clearing. Boys left the camp and before George Wash Jenks could find 'em 'long came Spaniards and snapped 'em up."
"Why did you let them leave the camp, you rascal? You know this country too well for that."
"Went while George Wash Jenks was asleep," answered the negro sheepishly.
"Well, where did they take them?"
"Leettle town 'bout mile down clearing, ah 'spect.".
"Humph! You don't know, then?"