Seth detailed the conversation he had heard in his mother's house, and Colonel Powers questioned him closely regarding the comments which had been made by the British officers at the time the subject was under discussion.
When he had answered these questions to the best of his ability, the colonel beckoned for Captain Jordan, and said harshly:
"I wonder, captain, that you and your troops should be so afraid of one boy as to bind him in such a manner. He has brought most valuable information, and should be richly rewarded for his services, instead of being trussed up in this fashion."
The captain looked confused as he released Seth, and while doing so whispered in the boy's ear:
"I am sorry, lad, for what has happened, and that is all any man can say."
However much ill-will Seth may have felt toward his captor just at that moment, he had no desire to show it.
The words of commendation spoken by Colonel Powers were sufficient reward for all he had undergone during his time of arrest, and he felt almost friendly-disposed, even toward those of the troopers who had so eagerly begun to prepare the switches for his back.
"You shall have an escort as far toward the town as is consistent with your safety and ours," the colonel said when Seth was freed from the ropes. "I thank you for your service, and shall, perhaps, at some time be able to reward you better. When you decide to enlist, come to me."
Then the colonel, beckoning to his staff, rode away with the air of one who has an important duty to execute, and Captain Jordan held out his hand to his late prisoner.
"Forgive me, lad, and say you bear me no ill-will."