As the men looked back he raised his hand warningly. "The captain has given you his reasons as to why I have so frankly spoken against raiding the New Pike gate tonight, now I will give you mine."
He paused a moment and looked around on the waiting crowd.
"It's because the plans of the night-riders have been found out, and a posse of men are now waiting at the gate to give a warm welcome to those who come."
At his words a sudden confusion fell among his listeners, as when a bomb is exploded in the ranks. The men stood irresolute, alarmed, looking first at the captain, then toward the spokesman, whose tall dark figure loomed up against the background of gray rock dimly outlined by the expiring fire.
The captain hesitated, uncertain what move to make; then he came back a few steps to where Derr stood.
"How do you know this?" he asked sharply.
"I know it," answered the other quietly, "and that's enough."
"But how do you know it? Who told you?" The leader grew insistent.
Derr compressed his lips and made no answer.
The captain gazed at him steadfastly some moments, then turned abruptly toward his men.