"I refuse."
Both men were deadly pale. Parker also had risen and was now standing beside Boyd.
"I claim the civilized treatment due to an officer," said Boyd quietly.
"Refused unless you answer!"
"I shall not answer. I am under Brant's protection!"
"Brant!" exclaimed Butler, his pallid visage contorted. "What do I care for Brant? Who is Brant to offer you immunity? By God, sir, I tell you that you shall answer my questions—any I think fit to ask you—every one of them—or I turn you over to my Senecas!"
"You dare not!"
"Answer me, or you shall soon learn what I dare and dare not do!"
Boyd, pale as a sheet, said slowly:
"I do believe you capable of every infamy, Mr. Butler. I do believe, now, that the murderer of little children will sacrifice me to these Senecas if I do not answer his dishonorable questions. And so, believing this, and always holding your person in the utmost loathing and contempt, I refuse to reveal to you one single item concerning the army in which I have the honour and privilege to serve."