"Why, it is madness!" the general replied.
"Not at all, señor, it is courage."
The general knitted his brow, for the interview was taking a direction not at all agreeable to him: he resumed, "these are my conditions; you, count, and all the Frenchmen that accompany you, shall free to retire; but Chilians and Aucas, whoever may be found among your troop, shall be immediately given up."
The count's brow became clouded; he, however, bowed to all present with great courtesy, but then walked resolutely straight out of the hut.
"Where are you going, señor?" the general said, "and why do you leave us thus suddenly?"
"Señor," the count remarked, "after such a proposal reply is useless."
Whilst speaking thus the count kept walking on, and the five persons had left the camp, in some sort without perceiving it, and found themselves at a very short distance from the improvised citadel.
"Stay, señor," the general observed; "before refusing, you ought, at least, to warn your companions."
"You are right, general," said the count.
He took out his pocketbook, wrote a few words on one of the leaves, tore it out, and folded it.