Had either of the others been left on guard it is possible something might have been done; but Jason Wentworth was not a man to be caught napping, and while he seemingly directed his gaze out over the waters, at the slightest movement of either of the 205 prisoners he was on the alert against an attempt at escape.
Twice had Isaac changed his position in order to make certain the man was keeping close watch upon them when his attention was apparently directed elsewhere, and each time he saw Master Wentworth’s musket raised that it might be ready in case a bullet was needed to check the flight of his captives.
“You had better not try that again,” the man said warningly when Isaac shifted his position the third time for no other reason than to make himself more comfortable. “In a case like this your lives count as nothing, and while I am unwilling to leave you to starve in the woods, I shall not hesitate to kill either or both, therefore do not make any feint at giving me the slip lest my patience should become exhausted.”
After that Isaac was exceedingly careful, as was young Beman, to remain silent and motionless.
While Corporal ’Lige’s recruit was ready to encounter serious danger in order to accomplish his ends, there was no idea in his mind of risking life needlessly when there was nothing to be gained.
Young Beman lay face downward, as he had thrown himself when the halt was called, giving no heed to the conversation between his comrade and Master Wentworth, and Isaac believed young Beman intended for him to understand that he would take no part in an effort to effect their release.
An hour passed and nothing had been heard from the two who had gone in search of a boat.
It surely seemed as if they must have met 207 with some mishap, and a great hope sprang up in Isaac’s breast.
When thirty minutes more had passed Master Wentworth’s face gave evidence of the anxiety which had come upon him, and he looked toward his prisoners with such an odd expression that Isaac Rice trembled, fearing the man was beginning to believe it would be better to do with them as his friends had suggested.
Then, when it seemed impossible for Jason Wentworth longer to control his impatience, Master White returned as when he departed, and having the appearance of one who had walked far and rapidly.