“And you must not hesitate to carry out that threat,” Isaac added firmly. “Now is come the time when we may prevent any news from being carried to Crown Point, and at the same moment deliver Colonel Allen’s 227 message, therefore blood must be spilled if necessary.”
Jones and White looked thoroughly alarmed, while Jason Wentworth said approvingly:
“You lads are in the right, from your own standpoint, which is a wrong one, however; but since we have been so dull as to let you get the best of us, it is but proper we should pay the penalty for disobeying orders.”
“Will you give us your word not to make an outcry if any person should pass by on the trail?” Isaac quietly, having no little respect for this enemy who could look upon the situation so fairly.
“If by giving up my life I can prevent the capture of Crown Point, you may be certain I shall not hesitate.”
Isaac looked significantly at Nathan, as if to say that this man should be guarded more 228 closely than the others, and after the prisoners had been marched into the thicket, where they were completely hidden from view, Corporal ’Lige’s recruit set out, Nathan calling after him:
“Do not loiter by the way, either in going or coming, for I am not quite at my ease while alone.”
“Have no fear I shall delay. It should not be a long task to find Captain Baker, and most likely you’ll see me again in less than an hour. Keep your wits about you, and remember how much mischief may be done if you hesitate to shoot when it becomes necessary to do so.”
CHAPTER X. CROWN POINT.
Never since the moment when Corporal ’Lige had promised to make a soldier of him, had Isaac Rice been as happy as now.