"It were easier for you to show your courage and come and fetch him."
"Our good friends here will do that. We have other work in hand. We ride back to Sturatzberg to tell our story, and heaven help you if you are alive when we return. There'll be little mercy for the companions of that devilish Englishman. Will you come with us?"
"I'm too old to run away," shouted Stefan, "and the company of cowards is not to my liking. May they cut your throats on the plain yonder and ask for your story afterward."
The brigands yelled with rage, and the soldiers shouted back coarse oaths.
"It would do my soul good to have a shot at them," said Stefan.
"Let them go," said Ellerey. "We shall want every shot we have. We are not without friends in the capital who may hear of our need. Against their will these fellows may help us."
The soldiers below moved on. It was evident that here they were to part with the brigands.
"Hold them fast for punishment," cried the same stentorian voice. "We shall return with the true message. Down with all lovers of the golden cross! Death to them who serve Maritza! Down with Maritza!"
"What is that they shout?" said Ellerey.
The answer came loudly, borne upward on the air, as the soldiers put their horses into a canter and rode down the pass.