During the next five minutes the little party remained in almost perfect silence, each one thinking over the situation until all understood how futile would be their struggles unless Captain Mansfield returned very shortly, and then came a hail from the outside, which was answered by one of the prisoners.
A short conversation ensued, and when it was ended Andy stepped forward to act as interpreter.
One of the prisoners spoke at some length, and then the old darky said, hesitatingly:
“Dey says ef we’se willin’ for to come out as prisoners dey’ll gib us all we’se wants; but dere won’t be any water sent down hyar. Ef you’se gwine ter make any bargain, Marse Jenkins, don’ koun’ me in, kase I knows wha’ dese fellers am boun’ ter do, ef dey gits de chance.”
“Don’t you worry, Andy, we haven’t the slightest idea of acceptin’ any such temptin’ offer. Tell that feller to say to the others we’re goin’ to stay right where we are, an’ some of this crowd will be sorry before the row is ended.”
“Say that if any attack is made on us we shall feel obliged to defend ourselves by shooting the prisoners,” Gil added, hoping the threat might frighten the leaders; but by no means intending to carry it into execution.
The old darky did as he was bidden, and during the next five minutes a most exciting conversation followed between those above and the ones below; but it finally ceased, and Andy seated himself in the tunnel once more, this time taking good care to keep well out of range, as he said:
“Dat ends de tork, an’ now dey’s countin’ on windin’ dis yere bizziness up mighty quick.”
“Do you know what they mean to do?” Jenkins asked.
“Nebber a word; but one ob de rascals said dey’d hab us outer hyar right soon.”