I would not have been allowed to come to you except upon my pledge to return within fifteen minutes." "And what will they do with you, my boy ?" asked his mother, alarmed by the information.
"Nothing, so long as I remain a model prisoner; but how are you fixed for defence ?" He was quickly made acquainted with the situation of affairs.
"Ah," he added, with a sigh, "if there was some way of getting word to the stockmen; but I see none." "They will not be likely to give you a chance ?" Fred shook his head.
"I'm afraid I overdid the thing.

I asked them to be allowed to go back to my cattlemen, but they would not listen to it.

They acted as if they were suspicious, and told me I must stay with them until the trouble ended, which they assured me would be soon." Sterry glanced significantly at Asbury and Hawkridge.

He recalled that singular message from Duke Vesey.

If all went well, it might contain a shadow of hope.