“We can do that ourselves. They followed us, for a hundred pounds, and have taken the boat by now.”
The settler uttered a furious oath and stamped his foot.
“Sharper than we are,” he roared. “Yes, that is right.”
Just then the dogs, newly set at liberty, came bounding up, followed by Samson; and the overseer went up to the two prisoners.
“There, lie down in your kennels,” he snarled. “We shall not be long, and it depends upon yourselves whether we find you when we come back. I warn you that if you move the hounds will tear you to pieces.”
“Saunders!” whispered the settler.
“Their lives will be in their own hands, sir,” cried the overseer warmly. “Let me have my own way, please; it is the only thing to do.”
The settler shrugged his shoulders, and the blacks all stood there round-eyed and staring, while the two unfortunates lay down in their bunks, and the overseer called up the dogs and bade them couch.
“Watch,” he said fiercely, and a deep-toned growl arose. “Stay there and watch.”
“Now, sir,” he said coldly, “the sooner we are off the better. Out with you, boys, and bring the lights.”