Then appeared once more at the window, Master Edwards, who cried out:
"Will you allow that I hold a conference with you in private?"
"Meaning in your own name, or that of the governor?" Master Hamilton asked sharply.
"I would bring to you a message from his excellency."
"You may come," our commander said after whispering with my father; "but I shall repeat at my pleasure, to these gentlemen, all which you may say."
Again the secretary disappeared, to show himself at the door a moment later, and General Hamilton remained motionless, forcing Master Edwards to approach him.
The two gentlemen saluted, exchanged a few words, and then half a dozen of our leaders were summoned to what appeared to be a council of war participated in by representatives of both armies.
Much time was spent by these gentlemen in consultation; but, finally, it appeared as if some plan had been arranged to the satisfaction of all. Master Edwards returned to the court-house; our leaders fell back into line, where we remained half an hour or more wondering what was to be the upshot of the matter, when suddenly Masters James and William Hunter, and three other citizens who had been held prisoners, came out of the door.
While one might have counted five we were held speechless with astonishment, and then our people began to cheer, for it seemed at the moment as if we had in fact beaten the governor in a game of his own making.
Before the shouts died away the command was given for the sentinels to come in; the troop was formed in fours, and we rode away, heading for the encampment on the hill.