That they should be set free at so small a price, and in face of all the threats Ephraim Sowers had made, was news so joyful as to be incredible, and their astonishment was such that neither made reply until the major asked impatiently:
"Well, well, do you refuse to do even that much in order to earn your liberty?"
"Indeed we do not, sir," Nathan cried eagerly. "We are willing to repeat whatsoever you desire, and to as many as you shall say, no matter how far it may be necessary to travel."
"Are you acquainted with all the rebel leaders hereabouts?"
"With nearly all of them, sir; and I promise that Captain Dillard, Colonel McDowells, or Colonel Campbell—all three gentlemen with whom we have acquaintance—will put us on the way to find those others in this section."
"And you swear faithfully to repeat every word of the message I give you, to each of those rebels who is in command of a dozen or more men?"
"Yes, sir."
"Mind, I am saying that you deserve to be hanged; but at the same time I am in need of messengers, and believe that even though you are among the enemies to the king, I can trust you two."
"We will perform all that we promise, sir."
"And see to it that you do. I am sent into this portion of the Carolinas by General Cornwallis to crush the spirit of rebellion, and here I shall stay until my work be finished. Therefore if you lads attempt to play me false there will come a reckoning, for we shall meet again."