As these strange episodes recurred to me, I surveyed the general with some interest.
"If you come, messieurs, to demand a capitulation, your errand is fruitless," said he.
"Such is my errand," replied Glendonwyn; "you are invested on every side."
"Ah—we thought as much," was the careless answer.
"How long, then, monsieur le général, do you propose to hold out?"
"Ma foi! till death," was the stern reply.
"Life is better."
"Life is worthless to Frenchmen, if honour be lost," was the somewhat vain reply. "Adieu, messieurs;" and the wicket was shut in our faces.
With this reply we returned to the general, who said coolly, while he glanced at his watch,—
"Well—we shall beat up his quarters in half an hour. What sound is that?" he asked, as a strain of music stole upon the calm morning air.