“To the Coosa River. And time is precious,” snapped Tonpit.
“You’ve been held prisoners by Red Hajason?” Sevier asked.
Tonpit nodded gloomily; then with a streak of suspicion he asked:
“How did you know about it? Has my daughter told you?”
“I’ve had no time to talk with your daughter,” Sevier coldly replied. “I found her unconscious from a fall from her horse. Hester was with her, and I was on the point of killing him when your call disturbed the balance of battle long enough for him to escape.”
“Then I’m —— sorry I called,” growled Tonpit. “But Hester said you killed the Indian, who was to be my guide.”
“He lied,” Sevier calmly retorted.
“He came in the Indian’s place,” continued Tonpit. “But he took us to Red Hajason’s camp instead of to the Coosa. We’ve been held prisoners ever since. Then Hajason went away, and I got two horses and Elsie and I rode for it, followed by the band. We threw them off the trail yesterday, but when we broke camp this morning several of them jumped us. She rode ahead while I fought them off. I shot two and got away, but, lost her. That’s all there is to tell, except I’d give a thousand pounds to know what Hajason is up to.”
“I can tell you for nothing,” said Sevier. “He went to McGillivray of the Creeks to bargain for your release. On returning he met Hester. They tried to kill me and then separated when I chased them. Hester ran into Elsie and shot her horse. Hajason by this time has connected with the gang. McGillivray offered Hajason two thousand pounds, gold, for the release of you and your daughter.”
“Ha!” cried Tonpit, his eyes flashing. “Good friend! True friend! And by escaping we save him his gold. But how come you to know all this?” And the habitual air of suspicion lowered from his gaze.