Then it flashed upon me that it was Peter Sitz of whom they spoke, and
involuntarily I moved backward, the one thought in my mind being to
prevent Jacob from hearing; but the vigor with which he clutched me by the
leg told that it was too late. The lad had heard as much as I, and to his
mind the prisoner spoken of could be none other than his father.

For a moment I ceased my efforts at retreat, and then, realizing that if
we would take Jacob with us to the completion of General Herkimer's
commands, he must not be allowed to hear anything more, I would have
backed away rapidly.

To my dismay and sorrow, however, he held me as if in a grip of iron, and,
despite all silent efforts on my part, I was forced to remain.




Chapter V.

Divided Duty



I could not find it in my heart to blame Jacob for being eager to learn
all he could regarding his father, and it certainly seemed as if we might
hear that which would at least tell us who this prisoner was that they
were so keen to torture; but surely we were not warranted in lingering for
the possible saving of one human life, when by our delay hundreds might be
placed in gravest danger.