“No, Tom, it will not do. We must keep the men prisoners, and make the best of our way north, to where we can hand them over to the officers of the law.”
“Very good, sir,” said Tom Fillot, “only either o’ my ways would be easier.”
“Do you think Mr Russell would act as you propose?” said Mark, sharply.
Tom Fillot screwed up his face, and shook his head.
“No, sir. He’d do as you’re going to. But we must keep a sharp eye on ’em, or they’ll be too many for us, I’m afraid. They’re the sort as it don’t do to be easy with, sir, because if you are, they only think you’re feared on ’em.”
“There shan’t be much easiness with them, Tom,” said Mark, firmly. “They’re prisoners, and prisoners they shall stay.”
“If they don’t circumwent us, sir, and get out,” said Tom; and the discussion closed.