“You may call him Colonel Henry,” he said.
“And you? You bear the rank of Captain, it seems. How may we address you?”
“I am second in command here and you may call me Captain Robert.”
“Ah, indeed!” exclaimed Mortimer with sarcasm; “an un-uniformed body of men, whose officers all seem to be known by their first names. I’ll be much interested to discover the nature of this organization.”
“Traitors are apt to turn up in every cause,” was the grave answer, “although this cause has never known one so far. Hence it’s wise to take every precaution.”
“Cause—what cause?” inquired Mortimer.
“No more questions, please,” answered Captain Robert. “I bear you no ill-will and I want to give you a word of friendly advice. Speak to the Colonel softly and civilly. He’s a hard man at times and it will be well to remember you are in his power.”
Mortimer was about to reply, but the Professor hastily interposed.
“I take your advice in the spirit in which it is given,” he said, “and I thank you.”
Captain Robert led the way to the central tent, ushered in his two prisoners and retired. As he did so, a squad of six men, armed with rifles, fell into line behind Dean and Mortimer. The latter found themselves confronted with Colonel Henry, who was seated before a large table facing the entrance to the tent.