“The rogues are right enough, though. I have the honour of being designated as ‘Gentleman Jim,’” said Craven, with a smile.
“I say, what are the right names of the chaps?” asked one of the outlaws of a comrade.
“I never knowed ’em by any other,” was the answer.
“Come, come, master, you hand them out, and be done with it!” cried several of the men together.
“Supposing they were with us, and that we were to deliver them into your hands, what would you do with them?” asked James.
“Hang them up on the nearest tree, as we will you also, if you don’t come to terms pretty quickly!” shouted the first ruffian who had spoken.
“I won’t help you to be guilty of so great a crime,” said James; “think better of it, and go away.”
“No more of this; time’s up!” cried a loud voice. “Charge, lads!”
The whole body sprang forward towards the hut. The whites instantly began firing their muskets or fowling-pieces, the blacks at the same moment casting their spears.
“Hurra! Here come the police! Look out for yourselves!” cried Sam Green, who had been keeping watch at a hole near the roof, looking eastward.