They rode up to the post-cart in silence. Jeremy motioned to Apollo to pull up. He obeyed, and one of the men dismounted and seized the horse’s head.
“Tricked, by Heaven!” said Ernest.
“You must come back with me, Ernest,” said Jeremy quietly. “I have a warrant for your arrest as a deserter, signed by the Governor.”
“And if I refuse?”
“Then my orders are to take you back.”
Ernest drew his revolver.
“This is a trick,” he said, “and I shall not go back.”
“Then I must take you,” was the reply; and Jeremy coolly dismounted.
Ernest’s eyes flashed dangerously, and he lifted the pistol.
“O yes, you can shoot me if you like; but if you do, the others will take you;” and he continued to walk towards him.