“I’ve tol’ ye once; ask me no more.”
“Men, do your duty!”
In an instant the prisoner’s hands were pinioned behind him, and the rope placed around his neck.
“Mount,” said the officer.
The prisoner reluctantly placed himself on the cask. He now began to surmise the true meaning of what was going on, though at first he had half-suspected it was only a resort to the old ruse of extorting information.
“What are ye goin’ to do wid me?” he asked, in a trembling tone.
“You shall see presently,” was the answer.
“What does all this mean?” inquired the Tory, now thoroughly alarmed at the manner of the soldiers.
“That you are going to suffer a penalty that you have too often eluded, and which you merit but too well,” answered the officer.
“Ye’re not goin’ to put me to death?”