In about fifteen minutes a sound, scarcely audible, was heard near Dane’s side, and glancing around, he saw Davidson creeping toward him.

“The trap is all set,” the leader whispered as he came close.  “It only waits to be sprung.”

“Are the men all arranged?” Dane asked.

“They are in fine order, and all in line, only a few feet from one another.  The Loyalists caught on in no time.  I am surprised that the rebels are all asleep.  It’s a wonder they didn’t place some one on guard.”

“I believe they did.  Look,” and Dane motioned to a huddled form somewhat apart from the others.  “There is the guard, but the rum must have affected him like it did the rest.  Anyway, they were not suspicious, and had no idea that their plot was known.”

“Now get ready,” Davidson ordered.  “We must round up this bunch before any more arrive.”

Then from his lips sounded forth a clear peculiar whistle.  Almost immediately wild yells from a score of rangers rent the air, followed by ringing cheers of defiance.  Dazed and startled, a number of rebels threw aside their blankets, scrambled to their knees, and looked around.  Flazeet and Rauchad were the first to comprehend the situation.  Yelling to their still sleeping comrades, they leaped to their feet, and were about to seize their muskets, when Davidson sternly ordered them to desist.

“Hands up,” he commanded.

The ringleaders instantly obeyed, for they at once recognised the King’s purveyor, the one man they so greatly feared.  But one dare-devil rebel sprang for his gun a few feet away.  He never reached it, however, for from the border of the forest two muskets spoke, and he crumpled in his tracks upon the sand.  This was sufficient warning to the rest, and all now awake stood sullenly and silently staring hard at their captors who had come into full view.

“Get over there, and be quick about it,” Davidson ordered, motioning to the left.

The rebels at once obeyed, and standing huddled together, awaited further developments.  Most of the men had no heart for any opposition, even if they had the opportunity.  They had been promised plenty of rum, a good time, and no end of fun with the Loyalists.  Such a disastrous outcome as this had been far from their minds.  The Indians now realised that they had been led into a trap, and their 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?”