Skulking, creeping and hiding in deep
shadow, he at last saw Perkins issuing from his house, carrying his
lantern. Following, he distinctly observed the brief interview
between the overseer and Whately, and guessed correctly that
Scoville was among the prisoners. He was soon able so to shift his
position as to satisfy himself on this point, and also to note that
Perkins, from his movements, would be one of the guard. By the
gleams of the lantern Chunk also saw that Scoville appeared to be
watching the overseer as if suspecting treachery. "I watch 'im too,"
the negro soliloquized. "Ef he play eny debil trick he hissef gwine
ter de debil sud'n."
Scoville was indeed anxious about his position, for while he
believed that Whately was scarcely capable of transcending the
usages of war, he knew well that opportunity only limited the
malignity of Perkins. He therefore rarely took his eyes from this
personal enemy.
For his own sake and that of the guards, Perkins aided in building a
fire, for in the continued rain all were chilled.
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