The road appeared to end at a rude sort of wharf; but there was no person in the vicinity, no house, and no craft of any kind in the water, so far as Christy could see when he was helped out of the wagon. Percy was assisted to the ground also; and the two soldiers at the rear of the wagon, who had gone to sleep, were waked, and ordered to get out.
"We shall not want the wagon any more," said the major. "You can send Boyce back to the house with it."
"It is five miles from here, and he will not get back till nearly morning."
"We can wait for him. The Leopard will not be here for some time."
"I think we ought to send two men, major," suggested the sergeant.
"Why two?"
"For company: one of them may get asleep, and two will get back sooner than one."
"They might as well all of them go, for they can do nothing here," added the major with a terrific yawn.
Two men were sent away with the wagon. The most of the hay in it was taken out; and with it the superior officer made a bed for himself, and was soon asleep again. The sergeant and the remaining soldier took their knapsacks from a tree where they had put them before, and it was decided that one of them might sleep while the other kept guard over the prisoners. Spottswood was the first to take his turn, and his companion stretched himself on the planks of the wharf.
The sergeant brought out the knapsacks of the two absent soldiers, and gave the blankets to Christy and Percy, both of whom were sleepy enough to follow the example of the others. Spottswood assisted them very kindly, spreading out the blankets for them, and covering them afterwards; for, as their hands were tied behind them, they were almost helpless.