Part 37 (1/2)
Wilkinson half raised in bed.
”Who is that?”
A voice replied:
”We've lost the road. We want you to tell us the way to Dutch Henry's.”
Wilkinson began to call the directions.
”We can't understand--”
”You can't miss the way.”
”Come out and show us!”
The request was given in tones so sharp there could be no mistake. It was a command not a plea.
”I'll have to go and tell them,” he said to his wife.
”For G.o.d's sake, don't open that door,” she whispered.
”It's best.”
She seized and held him.
”You shall not go!”
Wilkinson sought to temporize.
”I'm not dressed,” he called. ”I can tell you the way as well without going outdoors.”
The men stepped back from the door and held a consultation. John Brown at once returned and began his catechism:
”You are Wilkinson, the Member of the Legislature?”
”I am, sir.”
”You are opposed to the Free Soil Party?”
”I am.”
The answers were sharp to the point of curtness and his daring roused the wrath of Brown to instant action.
”You're my prisoner, sir.”
He waited an instant for an answer and, getting none, asked:
”Do you surrender?”
”Gentlemen, I do.”