"It is useless for you to deny it. Do you know what my men would do to you and Bicker if they learned the truth? They would rebel and hang you on the spot—and you would deserve it, too."
"Oh, captain, for the love of Heaven, don't put us in the hands of the boys!" pleaded Drossdell, turning a ghostly white.
"You and Bicker plotted to get us all sick and then let the Indians and Gilroy's gang in on us."
"I—I——"
"It is useless for you to deny it, for I heard your talk myself, and saw a letter written by Bicker to Gilroy."
"Bicker formed the plans!" cried Drossdell, breaking down completely. "He—he forced me to help him."
"Forced you?"
"Yes, captain, forced me. I stood out a long while, but he—he——Well, I might as well make a clean breast of it, sir. He had me in his power, on account of something I did in Denver years ago. He said he would expose me if I didn't help him."
"This is the strict truth?"
"Yes, captain, and I will swear to it if you want me to," answered the prisoner.