move! Don't think we
were such fools as to forget that part of the business! I've got all the
powder and balls that'll be needed to give you three a solid dose. Tie
Master Wentworth's hands behind his back, Isaac, and if he so much as
winks while you are doing it I'll quiet him. Lie down!" he added
fiercely as in the dim light he saw one of the others attempting to
rise. "If you make any fuss we'll shoot first an' talk afterward!"

It was more than probable one of the men might, because of the darkness,
have gotten off without injury; but each knew that should such an
attempt be made Nathan could shoot down perhaps two of the party, and
each probably feared it might be himself who would receive the bullet.

Therefore it was that they obeyed young Beman's orders strictly, and as
soon as might be Master Wentworth was lying on his face with both hands
tied securely behind his back.

To fetter the others in the same fashion was neither a long nor a
difficult task, because, like the bullies they were, both showed the
white feather when danger threatened their precious selves, and no more
than fifteen minutes had elapsed from the time Nathan first set about
making the attempt at escape before the prisoners were powerless for
harm.

With their hands thus securely lashed behind them, it was impossible for
the men to rise without assistance, and while Nathan stood with the
musket raised that he might shoot at the first show of resistance, Isaac
helped the prisoners to their feet.

"Now it is you three who will obey our orders, instead of knocking us
about," young Beman said gleefully, "and I'll make the same threat
Master Wentworth did: At the first show of trying to escape, I'll shoot,
an' even though it is dark, there's little chance of missing aim, for we
shall keep close in the rear. Take one musket, Isaac, and the other
we'll leave here, rather than hamper ourselves by too much of a burden."

"Do you count on trying to make your way through the thicket while it is
so dark?" Ezra Jones asked in a surly tone.

"That's what we shall do."

"Then you may as well shoot us offhand, for if it was hard work when we
were free, what chance have we with our hands tied?"

"If you think that is the best plan I'll follow your advice, and never
so much as wince in the doing of it, for you was one who would have left
us to starve," Nathan said so promptly that the man involuntarily ducked
his head as if fearing a bullet might fol