"Who had charge of these lads?"
The two troopers who had made the capture replied to the question, and then came the order:
"See to it that you hold them fast. There is no reason why your own beasts should carry double while there are so many spare horses; but lash them firmly to the saddles, for Major Ferguson must have speech with them by daylight."
"We are to suffer because the Britishers have been repulsed," Evan whispered, and Nathan replied manfully:
"Much can be endured, knowing as we do all that has taken place this night. While I am not hankering to come into the power of Ephraim Sowers again, as most like we shall, it will be less painful now this bloody plan has gone awry."
Considerable time was spent before the remnants of the detachment began the return march.
There were many wounded to be cared for, and a number so badly injured that they must remain behind. Some of the dead were to be buried, and the soldiers who had fallen nearest the encampment must have the last office performed for them by those whom they would have massacred.
Finally all was in readiness.
Nathan and Evan, each on a trooper's horse with his feet tied beneath the saddle, were given a place just in advance of their captors and about midway of the troop.
Colonel Dunlap and his officers set out in advance.