He began to speak, but was roughly ordered to shut up.
The line of march was resumed, and a quarter of a mile distant they passed through a gate and began the ascent of a hill, at the summit of which was a grove of tall trees. Walter shuddered and his heart sank within him, for he understood only too well what fate was in store for him.
CHAPTER XXXIV
A TERRIBLE ORDEAL
At the summit of the hill Walter's captors came to a halt.
“Young man,” said the leader sternly, “your hours are numbered. Have you anything to say?”
“I have a good deal to say,” answered Walter, finding his voice and speaking indignantly. “Even if I were guilty, which I am not, you have no right to condemn me to death untried.”
One of the masked men, who had hitherto stood in the background, came forward, and in clear, ringing accents spoke:
“The lad says right. He has not been proved guilty, and I for one believe him innocent.”