"What is that?" asked the colonel.
"One of my friends, colonel, who has come to render me assistance if I should need it." I called out loud—
"Wait a minute, Bard; I will come and open it. I am among friends."
Then, turning towards the soldiers, I said to them—
"Now, gentlemen, will you go into your house?"
"Certainly," they said.
"I may rely on your word?"
"Our word once given is never taken back."
They went in, and I opened the door for Bard.