"Let the general send us a written promise."
"Written?" reiterated the captain, haughtily.
"By his own hand," continued the Highlander, emphatically; "for here in this land of strangers we know not whom to trust when our King has deceived us."
"And to what must the general pledge himself?"
"That our arms shall not be taken away, and that a free pardon be given to all."
"Otherwise——"
"We will rather be cut to pieces."
"This is your decision?"
"It is," replied Farquhar, sternly.
"Be assured it is a rash one."