"There are but three horses. If you are up to an adventure I think we can make this turn to our profit."
"I'm up to anything, as the cat said when Biddy Hiks's plug ran her up the crab-tree."
"Very well. Come after me."
The sorghum, meanwhile, had been handed to the raiders in the cabin, and the men could be heard making merry.
"You, Gabe, go out and mind the horses; see that they don't twist the bridles about their legs."
Gabe sallied out and one of his brothers with him. As they neared the horses Jack came upon them, and taking the elder, Gabe, in the shadow of the house, he whispered:
"Have the soldiers' pistols?"
"Yes, sah."
"Where are they?"
"De put dem on de stool, neah de doah."