"The journey is still before you; but, when I left the vicinity of the camp, you were a prisoner."
Habakkuk was loath to explain the strange cause of his presence in the woods, but, finding he was among friends, he finally told the story.
His listeners of course were astonished, for it seemed incredible that Jake Golcher should do anything of the kind.
"Since he sent you out to take me back," said Lieutenant Godfrey, "you must keep your word and produce me before him."
"But, leftenant, such a pledge ain't binding on one, is it?"
"It is when I help you carry it out, and that is precisely what I will do."
The New Englander was amazed, as well he might be, and Fred, not wishing to trifle with the poor fellow, who had been so buffeted by good and ill fortune during the day, explained how the plan could be executed without risk to him.
It cannot be said that Habakkuk took kindly to the project, even then, but in the presence of Durkee and his woodmen, he could not well refuse.
He was assured that he would be well taken care of, and, as time was valuable, the company started without delay.
Where every one understood the necessity of silence, they moved along like so many phantoms.