Finding himself surrounded, the
Frenchman gave up his gun and other weapons without a struggle.
He could talk no English, so what followed had to be translated by
Cujo.
"Yes, de man an' boy are dare," explained Cujo, pointing to the
fort. "Da chained up, so dis rascal say. De captain ob de band
want heap money to let um go."
"Ask him how many of the band there are," asked Sam.
But at this question the Frenchman shook his head. Either he did
not know or would not tell.
After a consultation the rascal was made to march back to safer
ground. Then he was strapped to a tree and gagged. The straps
were not fastened very tightly, so that the man was sure to gain
his liberty sooner or later. "If we didn't come back and he was
too tight he might starve to death," said Tom.
"Not but wot he deserves to starve," said Aleck, with a scowl at
the crestfallen prisoner.
At the foot of the cliff all was as dark and silent as a tomb.
"We go slow now, or maybe take a big tumble," cautioned Cujo.
"Perhaps him better if me climb up first," and he began the
dangerous ascent of the cliff by means of the numerous vines
already mentioned.
He was halfway up when the others started after him, Sam first,
Tom next, and Aleck bringing up in the rear.
Slowly they arose until the surface of the stream was a score or
more of feet below them. Then came the sounds of footsteps from
above and suddenly a torch shone down into their upturned faces.
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