"That's all right," said he. "They will come in time to release you and save you from starvation."
"Going to tie 'em up, captain?" asked Peck.
"Yes. There is nothing else to do."
"Better shoot 'em."
"I can't shoot them in cold blood, Peck. That would not be human."
"The wretches don't deserve to live, captain. The Indians and those desperadoes are plotting to wipe out everybody left at the fort."
"I know that. Still, I cannot bring myself to take their lives—and we can't stop to take them along as prisoners. The sooner we get back to the fort the better."
"If we can get back," put in another soldier.
"I don't believe the fort is surrounded just yet," returned the young officer.
"But if it is?"