As we lay, bound as you saw us, the leader said to
us we should be safe if he could have his way, but there were bad
elements among the Maroons, and he could not guarantee it. Yet he knew
the government would pay for our release, would perhaps give the land for
which they had asked with no avail. We must, therefore, remain
prisoners. If we made no efforts to escape, it would be better in the
end. "Keep your head steady, missy, try no tricks, and all may go well;
but I have bad lot, and they may fly at you." That was the way he spoke.
It made our blood run cold, for he was one man, with fair mind, and he
had around him men, savage and irresponsible. Black and ruthless, they
would stop at nothing except the sword at their throats or the teeth in
their flesh."
"The teeth in their flesh!" said Dyck with a grim smile. "Yes, that is
the only way with them. Naught can put the fear of God into them except
bloodhounds, and that Lord Mallow will not have. He has been set against
it until now. But this business will teach him. He may change his mind
now, since what he cares for is in danger--his place and his ladies!"
Mrs.
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