Part 100 (2/2)
As he approached, his dark eyes were fixed on the prisoners; and when he came opposite to them he halted.
Boyd returned his insolent stare very coolly, continuing to smoke his pipe. Slowly the golden-brown eyes of Butler contracted, and into his pale, handsome, but sinister face crept a slight colour.
”So you are Boyd!” he said menacingly.
”Yes, I am Boyd. What next?”
”What next?” repeated Walter Butler. ”Well, really I don't know, my impudent friend, but I strongly suspect the Seneca stake will come next.”
Boyd laughed: ”We gave Brant a sign that you also should recognize. We are now under his protection.”
”What sign?” demanded Butler, his eyes becoming yellow and fixed. And, as Boyd carelessly repeated the rapid and mystical appeal, ”Oh!” he said coolly. ”So that is what you count on, is it?”
”Naturally.”
”With me also?”
”You are a Mason.”
”Also,” snarled Butler, ”I am an officer in his British Majesty's service. Now, answer the questions I put to you. How many cannon did your Yankee General send back to Tioga after Catharines-town was burnt, and how many has he with him?”
”Do you suppose that I am going to answer your questions?” said Boyd, amused.
”I think you will, Come, sir; what artillery is he bringing north with him?”
And as Boyd merely looked at him with contempt, he stepped nearer, bent suddenly, and jerked Boyd to his feet.
”You Yankee dog!” he said; ”Stand up when your betters stand!”
Boyd reddened to his temples.
”Murderer!” he said. ”Does a gentleman stand in the presence of the Cherry Valley butcher?” And he seated himself again on his log.
Butler's visage became deathly, and for a full minute he stood there in silence. Suddenly he turned, nodded to Hiokatoo, pointed at Boyd, then at Parker. Both prisoners rose as a yell of ferocious joy split the air from the Senecas. Then, wheeling on Boyd:
”Will you answer my questions?”
”No!”
”Do you refuse to answer the military questions put to you by an officer?”
”No prisoner of war is compelled to do that!”
”You are mistaken; I compel you to answer on pain of death!”
”I refuse.”
Both men were deadly pale. Parker also had risen and was now standing beside Boyd.
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