“It is the same boy,” replied young Prentiss.
There was a moment’s silence, broken by the rattle of hoofs. At the sound, Gage glanced at Pitcairn and the major nodded.
“They are off,” said he, briefly.
“Tell Smith to get his men ready with all despatch,” commanded Gage.
Pitcairn arose and left the room; then the governor turned his bluff countenance upon Nat once more.
“So, young man, you’ve been spying upon us,” said he, sternly.
Nat saw that there was no use denying anything that was charged against him. The best way, so he concluded, was to put a bold face upon the matter, for it would be as likely to carry him through as anything else.
“Yes,” he answered, “and have also been doing some rather competent work as a carpenter. If one is to count against me, I trust you will not fail to credit me with the other.”
A smile stole over the British general’s face.
“You do not lack coolness,” said he. “But that alone will do little for you. You admit that you are a spy. Do you know the fate of such?”