The captain knew that Willie was communicating his recent startling experiences, and smiled to himself as he realized what consternation the intelligence of their secret having been discovered would produce.
Presently Willie came up to where he was hidden and said:
"Come out, captain; but, I warn you, speak them fair, for they're mighty desperate and ready for anything."
"I am not afraid," said the captain, but, nevertheless, as he stepped forward he held his revolver tightly, and was quite prepared to act manfully if his reception was too warm.
There was a buzz and murmur, threatening and emphatic, as his well-known figure came within the gleam of light from the lantern.
But some one from their midst stopped the noise from growing more distinct by a warning "Hush!"
Then this same one came forward and the captain recognized the dapper figure of Job.
"Well, captain," he said, speaking in a low, clear tone, and without a particle of fear, "you've spotted our little game, it seems, and for us at a most orkard moment. What be you going to do?"
The captain looked hard at the man.
"I have seen you before," he said.