“As you please, sir,� answered Penn.
“What’s your regiment?� inquired Grimstone in a thick voice.
“McLane’s Horse! And if a man moves there will be two dead.� For a pistol was at the forehead of both the Colonel and Galloway.
They were startled, but had wit enough to understand a very unpleasant situation.
“Don’t do that!� cried Grimstone. Galloway sat as still and as pale as a statue.
“I am sorry, Mr. Penn, to disturb you,� said McLane; “but as I have neither eaten of your salt nor drunk at your board, you will pardon me. Neither do I want you or Mr. Galloway,� he continued, “if you will say, on your honor, that you will not leave this room nor give the alarm for half an hour.�
Penn said: “Needs must. You know the proverb, Captain McLane.�
Galloway said: “Oh, I swear.�
“Kindly put your watch on the table, Mr. Penn. Ten, I see. Captain Verney is locked in the cellar. My regards to him. Come, Colonel, and on the honor of a gentleman if you speak or resist I shall kill you. Good-night, Mr. Penn.�
The Colonel rose with his captor and went out.