"And we, Captain, regret to find you allied with such a savage as Tandakora."
A quick flush passed over the young Frenchman's face, but he made no other sign.
"In war one cannot always choose," he replied. "I have come to receive your surrender, and I warn you very earnestly that it will be wise for you to tender it. The Indians have lost one man already and they are inflamed. If they lose more I might not be able to control them."
"And if we yield ourselves you pledge us our lives, a transfer in safety to Canada where we are to remain as prisoners of war, until such time as we may be exchanged?"
"All that I promise, and gladly."
"You're sure, Captain de Galissonnière, that you can carry out the conditions?"
"Absolutely sure. You are surrounded here on the peak, and you cannot get away. All we have to do is to keep the siege."
"That is true, but while you can wait so can we."
"But we have plenty of water, and you have none."
"You would urge us again to surrender on the ground that it would be the utmost wisdom for us to do so?"