A little distance off lay the lake in shimmering stillness.
Nathaniel looked boldly at the sheriff now, and as his glance passed beyond him he was amazed at the change that had come over Neil.

The young man's head was bowed heavily upon his breast, his shoulders were hunched forward, and he walked with a listless, uneven step.

Was it possible that his magnificent courage had at last given way?
A hundred steps farther they came to the beach and Nathaniel saw a boat at the water's edge with a single figure guarding it.

Straight to this Jeekum led his prisoners.

For the first time he spoke to them aloud.
"One in front, the other in back," he said.
For an instant Nathaniel found himself close beside Neil and he prodded him sharply with his knee.