"You have heard what he says, boys, that our plans are found out, and the gate under guard. If this is true, there's a traitor in our midst, and this is his work."
A deep silence followed these suggestive words. The men glanced furtively at one another, as if a sudden distrust had arisen, specter-like, among them. The band separated into little groups and fell to talking in low tones among themselves, with now and then a suspicious look shot in Milton Derr's direction, but he stood silent and impassive, a little apart from the others, seemingly oblivious of these glances, or of the words to which they gave rise.
"This may be only a hatched up tale to scare us off," suggested the captain at last, looking inquiringly around him.
"Remember I have given you all fair warning," Milt said quietly, looking beyond the leader to where the men stood in scattered groups.
"Who is your authority for this report?" the captain once more asked.
"I learned it, that is all you need to know."
"When did you hear it?"
"In time to warn you."
The captain turned away with an impatient gesture and a muttered oath. "Perhaps it wouldn't be a hard matter to tell how the toll-gate people learned of it," he said with meaning emphasis in his tone.
"There may be something in this, after all, so what's the use of running into danger when you can steer clear of it?" asked one of the raiders. "The New Pike gate will keep till another time."