Part 36 (2/2)
”We can do that ourselves They followed us, for a hundred pounds, and have taken the boat by now”
The settler uttered a furious oath and stamped his foot
”Sharper than we are,” he roared ”Yes, that is right”
Just then the dogs, newly set at liberty, ca up, followed by Samson; and the overseer went up to the two prisoners
”There, lie down in your kennels,” he snarled ”We shall not be long, and it depends upon yourselves whether we find you e come back I warn you that if you move the hounds will tear you to pieces”
”Saunders!” whispered the settler
”Their lives will be in their own hands, sir,” cried the overseer war to do”
The settler shrugged his shoulders, and the blacks all stood there round-eyed and staring, while the two unfortunates lay down in their bunks, and the overseer called up the dogs and bade therowl arose ”Stay there and watch”
”Now, sir,” he said coldly, ”the sooner we are off the better Out with you, boys, and bring the lights”
The blacks ran out, the settler followed, and the overseer went to the door last
”I've warned you,” he said fiercely, as he turned to face the prisoners
”Make the slightest movement, and those hounds will be at your throats and rend you lis, then--watch,” he shouted; then he banged the door, locked and barred it, and just then the settler's voice was heard at a little distance
”Here, Saunders,” he cried; ”two of the loaded muskets have been taken froely; ”just found that out?”
He ceased, for three dogs sprang to their feet, uttering a furious barking trio which made his heart seem to leap to his throat
In the intense desire to save hi position and spoke quickly and gently, calling to the dog which had shown a friendly disposition towards him from the first
”Don't do that, Master Nic,” said Pete hoarsely
But even as theat hi the while a low, eager bark
The others barked too, and, as if in i hi close up to hi loudly
”Have they killed you, Master Nic?” whispered Pete hoarsely, eliciting a fierce growl from one of the brutes
”Quiet,” cried Nic loudly, and the growling ceased; while the next an to nestle upon his shoulder ”Good dog, then!” cried Nic, patting and stroking its head
”There, I think you may venture to talk, Pete”
”Do you, zir? If I waren't beginning to think they'd done for you
Aren't you hurt, then?”