Chapter XXI
We hired team and wagon of the innkeeper, and a man to paddle up-river and return with the horses. I had a brief talk with our tall prisoner while they were making ready. "A word of business, your Lordship," I said as he came out, yawning, with the guard. "Ah, well," said he, with a shiver, "I hope it is not so cold as the air." "It is hopeful; it is cheering," was my answer. "And the topic?" "An exchange--for the ladies." He thought a moment, slapping the dust off him with a glove. "This kind of thing is hard on the trousers," he remarked carelessly. "I will consider; I think it could be arranged. Meanwhile, I give you my word of honor, you need have no worry." We were off at daybreak with our prisoners; there were six of them in all. We put a fold of linen over the eyes of each,
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