It was more than probable one of the men might, because of the darkness, have gotten off without injury; but each knew that should such an attempt be made Nathan could shoot down perhaps two of the party, and each probably feared it might be himself who would receive the bullet. Therefore it was that they obeyed young Beman's orders strictly, and as soon as might be Master Wentworth was lying on his face with both hands tied securely behind his back. To fetter the others in the same fashion was neither a long nor a difficult task, because, like the bullies they were, both showed the white feather when danger threatened their precious selves, and no more than fifteen minutes had elapsed from the time Nathan first set about making the attempt at escape before the prisoners were powerless for harm. With their hands thus securely lashed behind them, it was impossible for the men to rise without assistance, and while Nathan stood with the musket raised that he might shoot at the first show of resistance, Isaac helped the prisoners to their feet. "Now it is you three who will obey our orders, instead of knocking us about," young Beman said gleefully, "and I'll make the same threat Master Wentworth did: At the first show of trying to escape, I'll shoot, an' even though it is dark, there's little chance of missing aim, for we shall keep close in the rear. Take one musket, Isaac, and the other we'll leave here, rather than hamper ourselves by too much of a burden." "Do you count on trying to make your way through the thicket while it is so dark?" Ezra Jones asked in a surly tone. "That's what we shall do." "Then you may as well shoot us offhand, for if it was hard work when we were free, what chance have we with our hands tied?" "If you think that is the best plan I'll follow your advice, and never so much as wince in the doing of it, for you was one who would have left us to starve," Nathan said so promptly that the man involuntarily ducked his head as if fearing a bullet might follow the words. "Where are you bent on taking us?" Jason Wentworth asked, after he had somewhat recovered his composure. "Our orders were to go to Sudbury, and I think we'd better keep on in that direction, rather than lose time by carrying you to Ticonderoga. We could do that last if we pleased, for our boat is hidden among the bushes nearabout where Master Jones turned back. What say you, Isaac Rice? Is it to be Sudbury, or the fort?" "It is best we see Captain Baker as soon as may be, and if you think we can find our way through the woods, I'll say nothing against a short cut, for time presses." The prisoners were driven like sheep, both boys marching directly behind them with leveled muskets, and, as may be expected, the advance was exceedingly slow.