"And to think that we had that little rascal in arrest!" muttered the lieutenant. "It was a sad day for Mindanao when Tomba escaped from our guard house."
Then, after a pause, Prescott continued:
"By the way, Mr. Seaforth, how long has Draney been on his present plantation?"
"I don't know, Lieutenant. He's been there longer than I have resided here."
"Has he ever been troubled by the Moros?"
"They have never attacked him, Lieutenant. Draney must pay some tribute to the Datto Hakkut."
Lieutenant Prescott and Sergeant Hal Overton glanced quickly at one another, though neither spoke.
"That is all, Sergeant," said the officer, by way of dismissal. "Return to your men."
"Very good, sir."