Two hours later the cell-door was opened, and the prisoners ordered out in charge of a squad of soldiers, Jacob whispering as they crossed the threshold:
"Remember, Enoch, don't give any information, no matter what they may do!"
The boys looked in vain for a friendly face as they were marched out of the prison between two files of soldiers, but none met their gaze.
If there were any sympathetic ones among the crowd of curious people who gathered around the prisoners and their escort, none dared betray the true state of their feelings lest they be accused of treason, and the two had a very good idea of the sense of loneliness amid a throng which must have come to Seth while he was being conducted through the city.
At the town-house the prisoners were halted for a few moments on the sidewalk, and then taken inside, where were several officers seated around a table on which were many papers.
Here their names were asked and given, and then came the question which both knew must not be answered:
"Why were you on the street last night at an hour past midnight?"
"If we make any explanation, except that which you have decided we must make, it will not be believed," Jacob replied stoutly, although he was far from feeling brave just at that moment.
"Do not fall into the mistake of being impertinent, you young rebel. Anything of that kind will only aggravate the offense."
"We have committed no offense, sir. Since you British have been in possession of the city we have kept the peace, molesting no man."