Allen countermanded the order.
"Listen to me. I am a freeborn man, and, though a prisoner, I am a prisoner of war. I was promised fair treatment for myself and men if we would surrender at Quebec. Is this what you call fair treatment?"
"I am very sorry for you, Col. Allen; but, since I am a soldier, I am compelled to obey orders."
"And who gave you such an order?"
"That I may not answer—as you ought to know, being a soldier yourself."
"Are these men to be hanged?"
"So I was ordered to say. I have only acted according to instructions."
It was the man that spoke, not the officer. His softened voice showed that he had carried out a very distasteful order, and that his manhood revolted at it.
"Can I not make an appeal personally to the general commanding?"
"That would be impossible."