At the word we could have shot all the little company down, most likely at the first volley, and in order to save bloodshed Master Howell cried sharply:
"Surrender, you of the convoy! We are full two hundred strong, and there is no good reason why you should throw away your lives!"
While one might have counted ten a deep silence, save for the pawing or stamping of the horses, fell upon all that gathering in the road, and then the leader of the convoy, having seen that there was no hope of accomplishing anything by resistance, said curtly:
"We can do no less than obey your order to surrender."
"Lay your arms on the wagons, after having dismounted, and then march toward the south."
No one spoke while this command was being obeyed until, the men having marched down the road a dozen yards or more from the hindermost wagon, Master Howell called upon them to halt.
Then ten men were told off with orders to guard the prisoners, and when this squad had taken position near the convoy, our leader said in the tone of one who has already mapped out his course of action:
"You will march your squad well to the westward of Salisbury, and endeavor to gain our headquarters. Do not take any chances of coming in contact with Waddel's force, and see to it that not a man escapes. You may set off at once, gentlemen."
The prisoners were first searched to make certain they had no weapons concealed about them, and then the little party rode slowly up toward Salisbury counting on striking into the thicket before coming within dangerous distance of the town.
When the party had disappeared in the distance, we set about taking possession of the ammunition.