The ladies shrieked, fancying they were about to fire, and Tom turned pale.
“Pray don’t be alarmed,” said Rayner. “We yield to the sergeant, and before we go I wish, in the name of my companions and myself, to express to you the deep gratitude we feel for your kindness. Farewell!”
He and Oliver kissed their hands, and the sergeant made significant signs to them to go through the doorway.
“Have I the word of you two officers and your men that you will commit no violence?” he asked. “If you refuse it, I shall be under the necessity of binding your arms behind you.”
“What shall I say, Oliver?” asked Rayner. “If we give the promise we lose the chance of attempting to make our escape; but then again, if our arms are bound no opportunity can occur.”
“Say then that we will attempt no violence, and submit to any directions he may give us,” answered Oliver.
Rayner spoke as Oliver advised, and the sergeant appeared satisfied, as he imposed no other promise.