Frank followed close behind him with his old gun held ready for need, and Willy untied the horse and led it. The bushes concealed them from the dwelling.
As soon as they were well out of sight of the house, Frank gave the order:
"Halt!" They all halted.
"Willy, tie the horse." It was done.
"I wonder if those boys is thinkin' 'bout shootin' me?" thought the soldier, turning and putting his hand on his pistol.
As he did so, Frank's gun came to his shoulder.
"Throw up your hands or you are a dead man." The hands went up.
"Willy, keep your gun on him, while I search him for any weapons." Willy cocked the old musket and brought it to bear on the prisoner.
"Little boy, don't handle that thing so reckless," the man expostulated. "Ef that musket was to go off, it might kill me!"
"No talking," demanded Frank, going up to him. "Hold up your hands. Willy, shoot him if he moves."