The captured men were made to descend the ladder, but no chance of escape was given them, for at the foot of the ladder stood some of the Mountain Boys, ready to fire if necessary.
There was a coil of rope in the barn, and this Allen utilized in securing the prisoners in a novel fashion. He ordered the men to be tied in couples, the right leg of one to the left leg of his mate, after the fashion of a three-legged race. Then the couples were united by a rope which wound round their arms and passed from one couple to another, to prevent the party separating.
Warner roused the farmer, and that man was so indignant that he proposed shooting each of the prisoners.
"No, no," said Allen, "they only obeyed orders. I shall let them go this time, if they will tell me the name of the informer."
The English soldiers were loyal and refused to purchase their release on such terms.
After an early breakfast Allen was ready to resume his journey, and he ordered the prisoners to march before him.
When the farm had been left behind a distance of a mile, he told the prisoners they were free to go where they liked, but as a precaution against being followed, he did not unfasten them, knowing that it might be hours before they succeeded in getting loose.