Stuart waited and Brown made no reply.
"You will surrender?"
"I will not," was the prompt answer.
In vain the young officer tried to persuade the stubborn old man to submit without further loss of life.
"I advise you to trust to the clemency of the Government," Stuart urged.
"I know what that means, sir. A rope for my men and myself. I prefer to die just here."
"I'll give you a short time to think it over and return for your final answer."
Brown at once began to barricade the doors and windows. And Stuart reported to his commander.
Lee met him at the gate.
"Well?"