After several trials of this sort, they withdrew and held a council of war. The result was that a few minutes later a voice called out from below:
"If you will surrender, your lives will be spared."
In reply Mr. Black shouted: "If you do not withdraw and leave us in peace you will meet a fearful punishment."
His reply was greeted with jeers.
"I wonder how many of them there are?" queried Billie.
"Quite a bunch from the sound." Then, a moment later, "They seem to be going out."
"Maybe they think we will come down," said Josie.
"But we must not," exclaimed the señora. "They would kill us. Surely our friend must bring us aid soon."
"Let us hope so," was Mr. Black's reply.
And hope was the best they could do.