“Then you will act with us, sir? You and your people know the country, and perhaps can lead us to where we can find and surprise them.”
“If you all give me your undertaking that there shall be no unnecessary bloodshed, and that these men shall be merely seized and taken down to the coast, I will help you to the best of my power.”
“Here’s my hand upon it,” cried Barker. “You’re more of a soldier than I am, so tell us what to do, and the sooner it’s done the better.”
“Go back then at once, and get all your men together, and I will join you with all I can spare from the protection of my place.”
“How long will you be, sir?”
“Half an hour after you get back. But be quiet, and do not let a hint reach the enemy of what is afoot.”
“You may trust us, sir,” said Barker. “Come on back, lads;” and all looking very stern and serious, the men turned and went steadily off.
“You’ll take me, sir?” said Grey, appealingly.
“I wish I could, my man,” replied Mr Raydon. “One of us must stay to take charge here, and my place is with the men to guard against excesses.”
Grey looked disappointed, but he was soldier-like in his obedience to orders, and without another word he went with us to the block-house, where four men were selected and duly armed.