hearts were
full of rage, more against their leaders than their captors. But
Flazeet and Rauchad were not in the least repentant. Their eyes and
faces expressed their anger and hatred as they watched Davidson coming
toward them.

"What is the meaning of all this?" the purveyor asked.

"It's none of your business," Flazeet replied with a savage oath.

"I've made it my business, though, and so have the men with me." A
smile lurked about the corners of Davidson's mouth as he watched the
confounded rebels. "You didn't expect this, Joe, did you?"

"And why should I? Why can't we meet here without being disturbed?
What right have you to come upon us like this? What do you want,
anyway?"

"I want you and a few others, and you know very well what for, so don't
begin any nonsense."

"This is an outrage," Flazeet stormed. "I always thought this was a
free country, where men can meet together if they want to without being
held up like this."

"It is a free country, Joe, and we are trying to keep it so. But when
men start plotting against peaceable people, they must be restrained.
That is the reason why we are here."

"Do you mean to say that we are plotters?"

"Yes, and the meanest kind at that. You have been stirring up the
Indians and others for some time. You will be surprised, no doubt, to
know that every word that you and Rauchad uttered at your big council
by the Wedneebak was overheard and reported to me. I know what you
said to the Acadians and the Indians who were there that night, and how
you cursed King George. You planned to wipe out the Loyalists, though
that was easier said than done."

Flazeet and Rauchad stared dumbfounded at the speaker. Their rage was
changing now to a nameless fear. They thought of that night by the
Wedneebak when they imagined that only those concerned in the plot were
present. Had they been betrayed by one of their number? they asked
themselves. They could not believe it, for they had kept in close
touch with all the men ever since. There must have been spies
surrounding them that night, and this thought sent cold chills up and
down their spines, causing their faces to turn a ghastly hue.

Davidson noted their confusion, and smiled. He knew that they were
greatly puzzled, and it pleased him. The Acadians and Indians were
deeply impressed, and showed it by the expressions of fear and awe upon
their faces. Their respect for the King's purveyor had always been
g