"Who is the ringleader in this rebellion?"

For the first time since entering the room Dane failed to reply. His
bronzed face flushed, and his eyes dropped. This both the Major and
the trader noted, and their curiosity became aroused. They felt that
this courier knew more than he was willing to divulge.

"Are you afraid to tell?" the Major questioned.

Dane suddenly lifted his head, and an angry expression glowed in his
eyes.

"Do you think I am afraid?" he demanded. "Do I look it?"

"Well, no," and the Major slightly smiled. "But why will you not tell
me the name of the ringleader?"

"Because I have a special reason."

"Suppose I make you?"

"Try it."

Although this reply was low and calm, yet the Major had sufficient
knowledge of human nature to know that those two small words meant a
great deal. He truly realised that nothing, not even death, could
force this sturdy courier to divulge the secret against his will. He
wisely dropped the subject, and turned again to the table. Nothing now
was heard in the room but the scratching of the quill across the paper