"We can saddle the horses, and mount while yet in the building. Then it is a case of starting with a rush, hoping that in the darkness those fellows will not be able to shoot us down."
"We are to run away, then?" I asked in surprise, for it had been in my mind that both Master Howell and Master Hunter would insist on fighting, however great the odds.
"It seems necessary to do so if we would see our friends again, and the deputies believe it is of the utmost importance the Regulation be acquainted with the fact that all manner of treachery will be brought to bear, rather than do us justice. Therefore we will run instead of fight. Our horses are as fresh as theirs, and we may be able to give them the slip. In case we are brought to bay, it is better, so the gentlemen have decided, that we stand opposed to five or six men, rather than a large body. Are you agreed?"
"It is useless to ask such a question. I shall do whatsoever the deputies think best."
"Then, if that be your mind, the time may come when you will be called upon to act what appears to me like a cowardly part."
I was amazed by this remark, and it can be readily supposed that I insisted upon an immediate explanation.
"The deputies are agreed that in case we are brought to a standstill, you and I are to make our way to Maddock's Mill without regard to them. They will fight, whatsoever the odds, for the sole purpose of allowing us to escape."
"Why have they grown so careful of us?" I cried, never dreaming of that which would have come instantly into the mind of a quicker-witted lad.
"It is that we may carry the news to our friends. Masters Howell and Hunter will sacrifice their lives in order that the members of the association may be informed of the exact situation of affairs."
I made no promises; timorous though I was, there could be, so I said to myself, no time when I would feel warranted in leaving comrades or companions struggling against a superior force. The Regulation might forever remain in ignorance of what had been said at Brunswick, before I would write myself down such a coward as to seek safety while others of my party were in peril.