"Although he merits death we will keep faith with him, and he who lays a hand on the Tory must first dispose of us!" Evan cried.
The men were in no mood to listen to reason, and it is more than likely the boys would have failed in their purpose but that Colonel William Campbell, hearing the tumult, came quickly up to learn the cause.
Hurriedly and in the fewest possible words Nathan explained the situation of affairs, and Ephraim's life was saved for the time being, for the colonel, calling for the Virginia force, formed a guard around the prisoner and his captors, holding the mob in check until all were arrived at Colonel McDowells' quarters.
Here Ephraim was delivered to Evan's father and Colonel James Williams, and these two officers decided that the young scouts had acted wisely in returning, for they placed every dependence in the statements made by Ephraim, who, as Colonel Williams said, "had for the first time the truth frightened out of him."
The lads were directed to go in search of food, and when, an hour later, they returned to Colonel McDowells' quarters, Ephraim was nowhere to be seen.
"What have you done with the Tory?" Evan asked, fearing for the instant lest his father had forgotten that their word was pledged for his safe keeping.
"It was best he should not remain in camp, for the men were grown so excited that I doubt if I could have held them in check. Your spy has been sent away where we can make certain he will be held in safe custody."
Then the colonel asked for the details of the journey just ended, and when this had been given, he startled them by saying:
"Since receiving the information from Ephraim Sowers, it has been decided that we will set out at once in pursuit of the enemy, lest Major Ferguson change his plans, and lead us a long chase. We have nine hundred men well mounted, and these will start within an hour, continuing the march until they shall come up with the enemy; meanwhile the footmen, and those whose animals are not in the best of condition, will follow as fast as possible."
"Do you intend to attack the Britishers, intrenched as they are on the mountain?" Evan asked in surprise.