Two of them lifted Justin up, but it was evident that he could not stand.
“I see,” said the leader. “Lay him down again. Canstop, haven’t you got a stretcher somewhere handy?”
“Yes, under the ash tree about a hundred yards from this.”
“Go, some of you, and fetch it.”
Two men started at a run, and quickly returned with the stretcher.
And the wounded prisoner was lifted and laid upon it.
They had now time to attend to the less important captive.
“You are not wounded, at least. What the devil do you mean by coming within our lines?” fiercely demanded the leader.
“I came to succor my colonel, and to share his fate,” answered Britomarte, firmly.
“Brave boy! what is your rank among the clock peddlers?” laughed the leader.