“No, they didn’t; and I took note of that the first thing when I went in. I stayed up close to the building while the sentry was looking out, and when he fired his gun to let them know that I had gone I dug out across the cotton-field until I struck the woods. I wondered what I should do without Dan, and I run onto him the first thing. Now, what are you going to do with this fellow?”
“As soon as it comes daylight we’ll take him down to Mobile.”
“Ah! that’s the place for you,” said Cale, giving Leon a pinch. “You won’t be riding around on that horse of yours and making us all wish we had one, too. You’ve got the revolver, Dan, and now I’ll have the horse. I wish father could get away from the house. Mebbe he would make you stretch hemp right where you are.”
“Well, Cale, as I didn’t have any sleep last night I’ll lie down,” said Dan. “Do you reckon you can watch him while I doze a little?”
“You’re right, I can,” said Cale, with savage emphasis. “Give me your revolver. Now, let us see him make a move to get away. I’ll stretch him out so stiff that he won’t be of any use down there at Mobile.”
“That fellow has got a mighty nice shirt on that I’d like to have,” said Dan, as he drew his coat about him, but couldn’t confine it, for it had no buttons. “As soon as it comes daylight I’ll make him shed that linen. I ain’t a-going among our officers with no shirt on.”
“Why don’t you make him take it off now?” said Cale. “I’ll watch him so that he can’t run away.”
“No, I guess I’d better be on the safe side. Let it go until to-morrow.”
Leon was glad that he had such a reputation. He was able to sleep warm for one night at least. His clothing was comfortable, and his coat being buttoned up to the chin, and being protected from the keen wind by the thicket in which he was placed, he slept as warm as he would if he had been at home. The only thing was, his hands hurt him. He knew it would be of no use to appeal to Dan, so he gritted his teeth and said nothing. When Leon awoke it was broad daylight. Both his captors were asleep. The revolver that Cale threatened him with was lying by his side, and all he needed was his hands at liberty to turn the tables on them in good shape.
“By gracious!” muttered Leon; and once more he began trying the effect of Dan’s knots. But they were there to stay. He could not move his hands at all. “Halloo! here,” he added aloud. “Do you want to go to sleep and let me run off? I am cold, and it is time I was moving.”