"I wish to be fair and reasonable," continued Titus, moderating his speech and manner. "I have done my best to keep the gentlemen with me from doing violence to them that stole our property, and"—
"And for that reason you became their leader and captain-general in an attempt to burn your brother's house and mine!" interjected the colonel.
"No matter what we came out for; I have a plan to state that will settle the difficulty," Titus proceeded, struggling to keep cool.
"State your plan, and be quick about it!"
"If the stolen arms and things are returned to us at once, we will go to our several homes and let the matter end here," said Titus.
"That's enough!" exclaimed Colonel Belthorpe indignantly. "Have you come over here under a flag of truce to say that?"
"That is what I come here for; and I insist on't that the things be given up!" replied Titus, waxing wrathful.
"Now you can retire with your flag of truce."
"I won't do no such thing!"
"If you won't I shall be obliged to open fire upon you and your mob; and you will be the first to fall," added the commander quietly.