to guard them, for he believed the time had come when
they might succeed in turning the tables, because surely it would be
easier to overpower one than three.

In this, however, he soon came to understand that he was mistaken.

Had either of the others been left on guard it is possible something
might have been done; but Jason Wentworth was not a man to be caught
napping, and while he seemingly directed his gaze out over the waters,
at the slightest movement of either of the prisoners he was on the alert
against an attempt at escape.

Twice had Isaac changed his position in order to make certain the man
was keeping close watch upon them when his attention was apparently
directed elsewhere, and each time he saw Master Wentworth's musket
raised that it might be ready in case a bullet was needed to check the
flight of his captives.

"You had better not try that again," the man said warningly when Isaac
shifted his position the third time for no other reason than to make
himself more comfortable. "In a case like this your lives count as
nothing, and while I am unwilling to leave you to starve in the woods, I
shall not hesitate to kill either or both, therefore do not make any
feint at giving me the slip lest my patience should become exhausted."

After that Isaac was exceedingly careful, as was young Beman, to remain
silent and motionless.

While Corporal 'Lige's recruit was ready to encounter serious danger in
order to accomplish his ends, there was no idea in his mind of risking
life needlessly when there was nothing to be gained.

Young Beman lay face downward, as he had thrown himself when the halt
was called, giving no heed to the conversation between his comrade and
Master Wentworth, and Isaac believed young Beman intended for him to
understand that he would take no part in an effort to effect their
release.

An hour passed and nothing had been heard from the two who had gone in
search of a boat.

It surely seemed as if they must have met with some mishap, and a great
hope sprang up in Isaac's breast.

When thirty minutes more had passed Master Wentworth's face gave
evidence of the anxiety which had come upon him, and he looked toward
his prisoners with such an odd expression that Isaac Rice trembled,
fearing the man was beginning to believe it would be better to do with
them as his friends had suggested.

Then, when it seemed impossible for Jason Wentworth longer to control
his impatience, Master White