“And suppose I refuse to take your papers and become a traitor?” said Hilary.
“I shall make you,” said the stranger. “I tell you that the voyage of your cutter suits our convenience, and that you will have to take these papers, for which service you will be amply rewarded.”
“Then I do refuse,” said Hilary firmly.
“No; don’t refuse yet,” said the stranger with a peculiar look in his countenance. “The despatches must be taken. Think of the proposal, my good lad, and then reply.”
As he spoke Hilary saw him take a pistol from his breast-pocket, and, if physiognomy was any index of the mind, Hilary saw plainly enough that if he refused to obey this man’s orders he would have no compunction in shooting him like a dog.
Chapter Thirty Nine.
Captain Charteris.
Hilary felt the cold perspiration breaking out on his face, as he thought of the loneliness of the spot where he was, and of his helplessness here in the hands of these desperate men, who were ready to brave all for their cause. He saw now that he had been watched almost from the outset, and that he had been marked as one likely to carry out their designs. Perhaps, he thought, Sir Henry had had something to do with the seizure; but he gave up the idea directly, giving his old friend credit for too much honourable feeling towards him to have him trapped in so cowardly a manner.