I had been disheartened by the sudden turn in affairs, and the predictions made by Sidney, until it was to me as if the efforts to assert our rights as honest men would result in the death or imprisonment of all concerned in the undertaking.
Meanwhile, as I thus agitated myself about affairs which would be regulated by Providence, we two lads kept close watch but without seeing or hearing anything of those horsemen, who, as we knew full well, were lurking near at hand to work us some mischief.
When the white servant had prepared our supper, Masters Howell and Sidney went inside the dwelling to partake of the meal, leaving Master Hunter and me on guard, and, later, we two were relieved by the others to take our places at the table.
While Master James Hunter and I were eating, I ventured to ask him what he thought of the situation, and received as reply:
"We are better off here than on the road, although it seems likely our return will be greatly delayed."
"Meaning that you believe those men whom we saw will spend much time trying to capture us?"
"We shall not be able to continue our journey save at the expense of an encounter with those villains, and whether we ever see home again depends, as I believe, upon our being the best marksmen."
Such a prediction did not tend to raise my spirits, as can well be imagined, and straightway all desire for food fled from me.
I left the table without ceremony, and rejoined Sidney, full of determination to shoot with true aim if one of our enemies would present himself as a target.
Until the sun had gone down we watched in vain, and while the twilight was gathering Master Howell announced his intention of venturing out to reconnoiter, for it seemed necessary we should know what disposition had been made of their forces.