"Your commander is a prisoner, and you rank next to him. What do you propose to do, fight or surrender?" Deck inquired of him.
"What can I do?" asked the big fellow; and he had not the air of a fighting-man, in spite of his ample proportions.
"That is for you to decide," answered Deck.
"We are surrounded by double our own number, and caged here like a lot of mules. Give me five minutes to talk to the boys," returned the guerilla lieutenant.
"All right; but not a minute more than five," added the officer of cavalry, as he looked at his watch.
"What are you gwine to do with 'em when you get 'em?" asked Life in a low tone.
"Turn them over to Captain Gordon when I have done my share of the job," answered Deck.
"We have concluded to surrender," said Lieutenant Billock at the head of the stairs. "I don't see 's we kin help ourselves under the sucumstances."
"Very well; I shall hold you as prisoners, and treat you as I did your captain. Call in six more men, Life."
This additional force, carbine in hand, was stationed in the hall by the officer, with orders to shoot any man who resisted or tried to escape; and the orders were given in a loud tone, so that the prisoners on the floor above could hear them.