Some of the throng stepped back a few paces as if regretting that they had been so loud spoken; but the greater number remained in front of the two officers in a defiant and angry attitude.
"Where is Evan McDowells?" the colonel cried, raising his voice that the question might be heard throughout the encampment, and he had no sooner spoken than Evan and Nathan forced their way through the crowd until standing directly before the officer, who added to the insubordinate men, "My son and Nathan Shelby—the same lads who captured the Tory—shall go out in search of him. Half a dozen more will be sent in as many different directions, and instead of standing here indulging in vain words, we may repair the mischief. This, however, I demand, and will consider him my personal enemy who disobeys what is a positive command: When the spy is retaken, see to it, each and every one, that his life be held sacred! These boys gave him an assurance, in return for certain information, that he should not come to harm, and I will never allow such pledge to be broken."
"We shall only be safe when he is dead!" a trooper cried in a surly tone.
"And you are willing, Angus McLeod, to admit that you are afraid of a boy!"
"Ay, Colonel McDowells, of such a boy as is that young Tory. While he lives we know full well all our doings will be carried to the king's officers."
"How may that be now that we have come to know him for what he is? A month ago it was different, because you allowed him in and around your encampment; but to-day, with full knowledge of his character, how can he do you harm? When he is taken, as I feel certain he must be within a short time, turn him over to me; I will be personally responsible that he no longer has the power to work us an injury."
Then turning from the discontented men as if he had done with them, the colonel said to Evan and Nathan:
"Lads, now has come the time when you may perform such a service for the Carolinas as, perhaps, is not within the power of any other. I do not hold that you are more skillful or keen on the trail than your companions; but there is in my mind the belief that you will succeed where older searchers may fail. Set out immediately; spare not your horses, nor yourselves, until Ephraim Sowers is once more your prisoner."
"But in event of our being so fortunate as to come upon him, sir, we shall be deprived of taking part in the battle," Evan said mournfully, and his father replied quickly, but in a whisper:
"There will be no battle if he escapes to carry information to Major Ferguson."