Page 73 - In A New World

Again there were signs of assent and approval as Captain Stockton paused.

"But one thing is essential. There must be no traitor, no malcontents among
us. A large reward has been offered for my apprehension--five thousand

pounds! It shows how much they are afraid of us," and he raised his head
with unconscious pride. "Against open enemies we can hold our own, but
not against the secret foe who sits beside us as a friend, and eats and drinks

with us. When such a one is found, what shall be his fate?"

He paused for a reply, and it came from the lips of all in one stern
word--"Death!"

"I am answered," said the captain. "The sentence has been pronounced, not
by my lips but by your own."

Here he turned to two attendants, who were stationed near at hand. "Bring
forth the traitor," he said.

The two men disappeared within one of the huts, and immediately

reappeared, leading behind them a third, with his hands tied behind him.
His face was covered by a black cloth, which effectually screened his
features from the general observation. All eyes were turned on the unhappy

man. Harry and Jack regarded the scene with painful interest. They guessed
what was coming.

"Complete your task!" said the captain with a wave of his hand.

The two guards set the offender with his back to a tree, and producing a
rope, quickly passed it round his waist and tied him securely, with his

screened face toward the band.

"Wretch!" said the captain in a terrible voice, "you thought to betray us, and

expose us to punishment and death, but the doom which you were ready to
bring upon us has recoiled upon yourself. You would have sold your

captain and comrades for gold. They have pronounced your doom, and it is
Death! Have you anything to say?"