Suddenly he became aware that he was approaching a man; and thinking it might be the sentinel who stood at the death line, he began to retreat.
“Halt! Come here, I want to talk with you!” said the man, whoever he was, seen indistinctly in the gloom.
Mainwaring recognized the voice. It was that of the man who had spoken to Harkness, asking who his prisoners were, and what he intended to do with them.
So he made up his mind quickly, as he knew this man was well armed, that it would be folly to refuse his invitation to advance.
He came forward until he was close to the man, who then said, in a low tone:
“Stop—you’re near enough. Speak low, and answer my questions.”
Mainwaring halted, for he heard the click of a pistol as it was cocked. He thought it was rather unnecessary, since he was unarmed, but he made no comments.
“Bill Harkness means to hold you to ransom, don’t he?” asked this man.
“I think I heard him tell you so!” said Mainwaring.