The thudding feet came nearer.

A bugle call--a rattling of accouterments and then, from the other side of the hedge, came a half dozen troopers in blue, led by a Sergeant with a red face and bloodshot eyes.
"This way, boys!" the Sergeant shouted, and at the sound of a harsh, never-forgotten voice Uncle Billy's grasp on his ax grew tighter.

"_I_ know the place--I've been here before.

_We'll_ get the liquor and silver while the Colonel is stealing the horses, eh ?" Then his eyes fell on Uncle Billy and he greeted him with a yell of recognition.

"Hello, you black old ape! Come down and show us where you buried the silver and the whisky.