These words were uttered in a tone that compelled the Colonel to silence; he bowed respectfully, and withdrew softly from the circle of officers. At the same moment John Davis arrived, led by the aide-de-camp. The American's face was gloomy and frowning; he saluted the General by raising his hand to his hat, but did not remove it; then he drew himself up haughtily and crossed his hands on his chest. The General regarded him for a moment with repressed curiosity.
"What do you want?" he asked him.
"The fulfilment of your promise," Davis replied drily.
"I do not understand you."
"What do you say? When you made me a prisoner this morning, in contempt of the military code and the laws of nations, did you not tell me that so soon as we reached the mainland, the liberty you had deprived me of by an unworthy abuse of strength, would be immediately restored to me?"
"I did say so," the General answered meekly.
"Well, I demand the fulfilment of that promise; I ought to have left your camp long ago."
"Did you not tell me that you were deputed to me by the rebel army, in order to submit certain propositions?"
"Yes, but you refused to hear me."
"Because the moment was not favourable for such a communication. Imperious duties prevented me then giving your words all the attention that they doubtless deserve."