“Tell me who were your companions, and what they have done with Miss Lear,” continued the officer, “and on my honor as a soldier, the moment I feel assured that you have spoken the truth, you will be at liberty to depart unmolested.”
“Ye’ve desaved me once, and ye shan’t do it again.”
“I repeat my question. Will you or will you not tell me the names of your companions, and whither they have taken the young lady?”
“I’ll not!”
“Bring the prisoner without!” commanded the lieutenant, in a stern voice.
The order was promptly obeyed, and the Tory was conducted to the green in front of the dwelling.
The moon had already arisen, and its bright beams rendered the night almost equal to day. A towering oak stood a few yards from the door, and under its spreading branches the soldiers had collected in a group, forming quite a picturesque scene.
A strong rope was cast over one of the largest limbs, and a dragoon quietly formed a sliding noose at the end. A small cask was brought from the house and placed directly under the hanging cord.
The prisoner watched these ominous preparations with suspicion. The officer now approached him again.
“Will you answer the question that I have asked you?” he said.