This was the heaviest blow yet, and Captain Tom came so near wilting under it that Rodney's heart smote him and he determined to take his leave. So he got upon his feet, and Dick followed his example.
"What will they do to Tom if he fails to obey this order?" asked Mrs. Randolph, who, in all the trying ordeals through which she had passed on her cowardly son's account, had never before been so badly frightened.
"I couldn't obey it if I wanted to," cried Tom. "My men are scattered for miles through the country, and I couldn't spend the night in hunting them up."
"They may call it disobedience of orders if you don't do it," replied Rodney, who wanted to laugh. "If I were in your place I would make the effort."
"And run the risk of being shot? But suppose my men refuse to turn out?" said Tom, a bright idea coming into his mind.
"Then you will be blameless, and all you have to do will be to report to the colonel and tell him that you are ready for any duty he may assign you."
"And can't I stay at home any way I can fix it?" inquired Tom, who made no effort to conceal his terror.
"I wouldn't. What if some of the colonel's troopers should find you skulking here when you ought to be in the front rank? Or suppose the battle should be fought on your plantation. Wouldn't you——"
"Baton Rouge is not on our plantation."