THE dog had snuffed the spot where he fell to the ground, and poor July was discovered.
"It's the nigger," announced Carter after a few moments.
"Shoot 'im if he don't git down from there quick," cried Jackson, savagely.
Instantly the branches of the water-oak began to tremble, and July descended with all speed.
"Now where's them boys?" demanded his captors.
"I dun-know where dey is."
Curses greeted this denial, and Jackson threatened to "break every bone" in the negro's body if he did not reveal the hiding place of the boys at once.
"I tell you I dun-know," insisted July, determined to prevent the capture of his young confederates if he could possibly do so. "All I know is," he lied boldly, "dey got lost fum me 'way back yonder where we fout de dawgs."
Abusive exclamations of incredulity were supplemented by Carter with the warning:
"That was Rafe Wheeler's dog you killed, and I reckon he'll make you see sights before he's done with you."