At the same moment about a hundred natives ranged themselves round the youth, thus indicating that they, too, were his men.
"Well, lad, away you go," said Gascoyne, smiling; "but Master Corrie must remain with me." "I'll do nothing of the sort," said Corrie, stoutly.
"Oh yes, you will, my boy, I want you to guide my man Bumpus over the mountains.

You know the passes, and he don't.

It's all for the good of the cause, you know,--the saving of little Alice." Corrie wavered.

The idea of being appointed, as it were, to a separate command, and of going with his new friend, was a strong temptation, and the assurance that he would in some way or other be advancing the business in hand settled the matter.

He consented to become obedient.
In about half an hour all Gascoyne's plans were in course of being carried out.