The party were silent. They were now ascending the sharp hill, or range of hills, which skirts the creek upon the north. Turning to the right, he proceeded onward, but observing he was not followed, he asked:
"Why do you halt?"
"Because we go in another direction."
"I command you to follow me," yelled Branch.
"We do not recognize your authority."
"You shall see it here," replied the infuriated captain, as he drew forth his revolver.
In an instant the five horsemen had leveled their rifles at his breast, and one of them said:
"Go your way, sir, and we will not molest you. Be careful how you interfere with us."
"Do as you please, cowards," replied Branch. He started on his way, while the horsemen proceeded down the hill at a rapid rate.
Alibamo bent forward, and whispered words to Mamie, which seemed to be those of hope, as the countenance of the latter brightened very much. Then, starting to her feet, while her frame quivered with excitement, she cried: