"You are not franc tireurs?" he asked, for the light was still insufficient to enable him to distinguish uniforms.
"We are officers of the army, upon General Cambriels' staff. This man is an orderly.
"Here are our swords. We surrender, as prisoners of war."
The German officer bowed.
"Keep your swords, for the present, gentlemen. I am not in command."
At this moment, another officer came up.
"Who have we here, Von Hersen? Why do you make prisoners?"
"They are two staff officers, major."
"Hem," said the major, doubtfully.
"Well, if you are an officer," he continued, "order your men to cease their resistance."