The captain looked toward the spot indicated and replied:
"Stumps, you mean, William."
"No, golly massa, dem's no stumps; dem's hooman beins. Dar, don't you hear dat horse whinner?"
"Halt!" said Hayward. "Look to your pistols—have your swords ready—there are about twenty of them. They see us, and are awaiting our approach. It is too late to conceal ourselves. Forward!"
The party moved onward at a slackened pace. When they had arrived within forty yards of the horsemen, Captain Hayward said:
"Halt here a moment. I will ride forward."
In an instant he had reached them. He rode up carelessly and fearlessly.
"Halt!" cried the leader, addressing Hayward.
"To what purpose, sir?" demanded Hayward.
"For examination!" was the response.