Just then there came the sound of loud voices at the inn and the sound of splintering woodwork as the doors were forced.
“You give me credit for more knowledge than I possess,” said Nat, coolly. “The Committee of Safety is largely composed of gentlemen who are strangers to me.”
Lieutenant Chesbrook touched his horse with the spur; in a moment he was at the boy’s side and saying in a smooth, persuasive voice:
“It would be altogether better for you if you would not assume that attitude. You possess information which I want and which I mean to have. So you will profit a great deal by falling in with my desires.”
But Nat looked up at him and replied, calmly:
“I am the person to judge of what is best for me, Lieutenant Chesbrook.”
“I think not,” said the naval officer. “You see, you don’t know just what it will mean to refuse. I have with me some few ingenious little contrivances which are much used upon shipboard in compelling our men to do that which they are disinclined to do. So don’t compel me to bring them out; you’ll be sorry for it if you do.”
There was a stir among a group of officers; a boyish figure darted through them and stood beside Nat.
“Lieutenant!” cried this person in a warning voice; and instantly Chesbrook wheeled in his saddle.
“Well?” demanded he, harshly.