"And if I refuse?"
"Then you will shortly be blown into eternity. Your fort is undermined, and a great store of powder is already in position to blow it up. If you surrender, your lives shall be spared."
"Ask them to wait until morning for your answer," suggested Donald, in a low tone. "I have a particular reason for the request."
Christie agreed to this, and the proposition was submitted.
There was a long pause, and an evident discussion, before the voice answered:—
"The beggars will only grant that request on one condition."
"Name it."
"It is that neither you nor those under your command shall make any attempt to escape during the time of truce."
"Am I under your command, Christie?" asked Donald.
"Certainly not," was the answer.