"What will the consequences be?"
"If you won't surrender we'll attack the fort immediately. We know just how weak you are, and let me tell you that we have a dozen or more dynamite bombs on hand with which we can blow the fort sky-high if we wish."
"What good will it do you to capture the fort?"
"We know all about the money that is stored here, and we want every dollar of it."
"And if we surrender?"
"If you surrender you will be allowed to march from the place unmolested, taking all of your sick with you, or leaving them here, in care of a doctor, if you prefer. If you know where your head is level you will surrender," went on the desperado earnestly.
"But if I am compelled to surrender, don't you know that our army will be after you, Gilroy?"
"Never mind, we'll take care of that part of it," was the answer, with a sickly grin. "Then you agree to surrender?"
"I can't do it until I have spoken with one of the leading Indian chiefs."
At this the desperado's face fell.