Claiborne had been carefully coached by his father, and he answered the questions of the officers readily: "If these men give you any trouble, put them under arrest in the nearest jail.

We can bring them back here for attempted murder, if nothing worse; and these mountain juries will see that they're put away for a long time.
You will accompany them on board the _George W.Custis_, and stay with them until you reach Cape Charles.

A lighthouse tender will follow the steamer down Chesapeake Bay and take you off.

If these gentlemen do not give the proper orders to the captain of the steamer, you will put them all under arrest and signal the tender." Chauvenet and Durand had been brought out and placed in the buckboard, and these orders were intended for their ears.
"We will waive our right to a writ of _habeas corpus_," remarked Durand cheerfully, as Claiborne flashed a lantern over them.

"Dearest Jules, we shall not forget Monsieur Claiborne's courteous treatment of us." "Shut up!" snapped Chauvenet.
"You will both of you do well to hold your tongues," remarked Claiborne dryly.