"Do you think so?" the young man said in an ironical voice.
"You are surrounded on all sides."
"Bar one."
"Yes, but there is an impassable abyss there."
"Who knows?" the Captain said, still mockingly.
"In a word, will you listen to me?" the other said, who was beginning to grow impatient at this conversation.
"Well," the officer said, "let me hear your propositions, after which I will let you know my conditions."
"What conditions?" the bandit asked in amazement.
"Those I intend to impose on you, by Jove."
A Homeric laugh from the border rifles greeted these haughty words. The Captain remained cold and impassive.