Two hours after the journey had been resumed the trail was found, and from that time on until the outskirts of the settlement was gained, the party marched at a reasonably rapid rate of speed.
Once a glimpse of Sudbury was had Isaac became exceedingly prudent, and insisted upon calling a halt, while Nathan declared 225 they should press forward until the prisoners could be delivered to Captain Baker.
“I shan’t feel comfortable in mind until all three are off our hands, for there’s no knowing how many friends they may have in the settlement.”
“That is exactly why I would halt here,” Isaac replied, and Corporal ’Lige would have rejoiced had he known how rapidly his recruit was learning his duties as a soldier. “We do not know in which house Captain Baker lives, and while making inquiries, still having the prisoners with us, we might come upon those who would turn the tables once more, before we had so much as gained speech with the officer.”
“Then what would you do?”
“We are within less than half a mile of the settlement. Let us march the prisoners into the thicket, where they will be hidden from 226 view of any who may come this way, and while one stands guard over them, the other can seek out the captain. After that has been done he can take charge of the affair, and our work will be well and thoroughly done.”
“Who is to remain here?” Nathan asked.
“It shall be as you say.”
Young Beman remained silent a moment, and then, with the air of one who has decided an important question, said:
“You shall go into the settlement, and if either of these Tories so much as opens his mouth while you are gone, I’ll put a bullet through him.”