"Yes, sir!" answered Ruth, promptly, and for a moment Andy sickened at what he feared she was about to do. It was too late, though, for him to interfere.
"Which road did they take?"
The instant's pause seemed an eternity to Andy. Then calmly and with clear, uplifted eyes:
"The main road, sir, it being the safer and shorter!" Andy felt a moment's dizziness. Then a rough voice startled him:
"I know that boy, my lord; he was the one in the secret passage, about which I told you. I shall not soon forget him."
"I thought you said your companion in the cave was dealt a stunning blow; surely this lad could have done no such thing," answered the Captain.
"I could swear to him, your lordship, though I saw him but for a moment as Martin went down, and the light went out. Hi! there, Martin, come here," he called. A man galloped up, a man with a dark bruise upon his forehead and eye.
"Martin, do you know that boy?" Martin looked, and in the clear light he saw and knew Andy at once; but something staggered him, and he stammered and shook.
"Did you strike this soldier?" asked the Captain impatiently of Andy.
"No, sir!" The words came sharply.