"I have no words to waste. If you do not comply readily with what I require, it is no object for me that you should comply at all."
Penn came and stood by Pomp, looking calm and determined as he. Virginia came also, and looked upon the prisoner, without a smile, without a frown, but strangely serious and still. These were the three against whom he had sinned in the days of his power and pride; and now his shame was bare before them. He took the quill, bit the feather-end of it in supreme perplexity of soul, then wrote.
"Very well," said Pomp, reading the order. "But you have forgotten to sign it." Augustus signed. "Now write again. A letter to your colonel. Mr. Hapgood, please dictate the terms."
Penn understood the whole scheme; he had consulted with Virginia, and he was prepared.
"A safe conduct for Mr. Villars, his daughter and servants, beyond the confederate lines. This is all I have to insist upon."
"I," said Pomp, "ask more. The man who betrayed us must be sent here."
"If you mean Sprowl," said Bythewood, "his wife has no doubt saved the trouble."
"Not Sprowl, but Deslow."
Bythewood was terrified. Pomp had spoken with the positiveness of clear knowledge and unalterable determination. But how was it possible to comply with his demand? Deslow had been promised not only pardon, but protection from the very men he betrayed! Therefore he could not be given up to them without the most cowardly and shameful perfidy.
"I have no influence whatever with the military authorities," the prisoner said, after taking ample time for consideration.