I supposed I would have ample opportunity to learn the truth after it became daylight." "But you believed him to be Eric ?" "Yes, and after the attack I was convinced.

He and the three men with him bolted and got away.

Must have run at the first fire, for the fellows had us completely hemmed in.

It was Eric all right, and that is about half the reason why I led my men back here--I wanted to find out if he was hiding about the old place.

Is it true you haven't seen him ?" "Quite true; indeed I had no reason to suppose him in the Jerseys at this time." Grant remained silent, probably not wholly convinced that he was being told the truth, and yet not venturing to state openly his suspicions.
However the other said no more, and finally the Ranger felt compelled to answer.
"Of course," he explained rather lamely, "I couldn't altogether blame you for concealing the boy if he had shown up here, but you will realize that as a King's officer I have a serious duty to perform." "You would apprehend Eric?
Would betray him into British hands?
Is that your meaning, Captain Grant ?" "What else could I do?
Don't be unreasonable! Boy as he is, no one in all that crew of ragamuffins has done us greater harm.