"For the last time, major, I implore you."
"For the last time, Lieutenant von Hersen," the major said, brutally, "I order you to do your duty and, by Heavens, if you speak another word, I will put you in arrest!"
The young lieutenant turned silently away, called up twenty men, and ordered them to place the franc tireurs and the peasants against a wall.
"This is horrible, Ralph," Percy said. "That scoundrel is going to shoot them, in cold blood."
"I protest against this execution," Ralph said, in a loud tone, advancing towards the major, "as a cold-blooded murder, and a violation of all the rights of war."
"Hold your tongue, sir," the German major said, turning to him furiously, "or, by Heavens, I will put you up there, too!"
"You dare not," Ralph said, firmly. "Outrage, as you do, every law of civilization and humanity; you dare not shoot an officer of the army, in cold blood."
The major turned black with passion.
"By Heavens!" he exclaimed.
But the officer who had not--hitherto--interposed, threw himself before him.