The soldiers looked at their captain, then at the Americans, then at their captain again, then at the Americans, and the end of it was that they did not move.
"Arrest them!" roared the officer.
The Americans stood opposite with their revolvers leveled. The soldiers stood still. They would not obey.
"My friend," said the Heidelbergian, "if your men advance, you yourself will be the first to fall, for I happen to have you covered by my pistol. I may as well tell you that it has six shots, and if the first fails, the second will not."
The officer turned pale. He ordered his men to remain, and went out. After a few moments he returned with twelve more dragoons. The Americans still stood watchful, with their revolvers ready, taking aim.
"You see," cried the officer, excitedly, "that you are overpowered. There are as many men outside. For the last time I call on you to surrender. If you do not I will give no quarter. You need not try to resist."
"What is it that he says?" asked Obed.
The Heidelbergian told him.
Obed laughed.
"Ask him why he does not come and take us," said he, grimly. "We have already given him leave to do so."