Silence on the part of his enemy would surely bring harm this night to the captain of the band, and also to the raiders themselves, yet many of these were Milt's friends, and must not be sacrificed to his own hot anger and hatred of one man. This were cowardly. It was his duty to speak out plainly for their sakes. Understanding this, he made a sudden move forward, and called out sharply: "Listen to what I have to say!" As the men looked back he raised his hand warningly. "The captain has given you _his_ reasons as to why I have so frankly spoken against raiding the New Pike gate tonight, now I will give you _mine_." He paused a moment and looked around on the waiting crowd. "It's because the plans of the night-riders have been found out, and a posse of men are now waiting at the gate to give a warm welcome to those who come." At his words a sudden confusion fell among his listeners, as when a bomb is exploded in the ranks. The men stood irresolute, alarmed, looking first at the captain, then toward the spokesman, whose tall dark figure loomed up against the background of gray rock dimly outlined by the expiring fire. The captain hesitated, uncertain what move to make; then he came back a few steps to where Derr stood. "How do you know this?" he asked sharply. "I know it," answered the other quietly, "and that's enough." "But how do you know it? Who told you?" The leader grew insistent. Derr compressed his lips and made no answer. The captain gazed at him steadfastly some moments, then turned abruptly toward his men. "You have heard what he says, boys, that our plans are found out, and the gate under guard. If this is true, there's a traitor in our midst, and this is his work." A deep silence followed these suggestive words. The men glanced furtively at one another, as if a sudden distrust had arisen, specter-like, among them. The band separated into little groups and fell to talking in low tones among themselves, with now and then a suspicious look shot in Milton Derr's direction, but he stood silent and impassive, a little apart from the others, seemingly oblivious of these glances, or of the words to which they gave rise. "This may be only a hatched up tale to scare us off," suggested the captain at last, looking inquiringly around him. "Remember I have given you all fair warning," Milt said quietly, looking beyond the leader to where the men stood in scattered groups. "Who is your authority for this report?" the captain once more asked. "I learned it, that is all you need to know." "When did you hear it?" "In time to warn you." The captain turned away with an impatient gesture and a muttered oath. "Perhaps it wouldn't be a hard matter to tell how the toll-gate people learned of it," he said with meaning emphasis in his tone. "There may be something in this, after all, so what's the use of running into danger when you can steer clear of it?" asked one of the raiders. "The New Pike gate will keep till another time."