"I am commanded to offer you your lives and freedom on one condition."
"And the condition?" Stefan shouted, prompted by Ellerey. "You are free to leave the pass unmolested if you will deliver up the youth who is of your company."
"We'll see you—" Stefan began, without any prompting.
"Word it as you will," said Ellerey, "the coarser the better, perhaps, for such a devilish suggestion."
"Wait!" exclaimed Grigosie. "Ask for time to consider."
"Who wants to consider such a thing as that?" growled Stefan.
"We gain time," said Grigosie, turning to Ellerey. "Say you will consider the suggestion and answer them tomorrow. We sorely need rest; what does it matter how we gain it?"
"My gorge revolts against their even fancying that we should consider such a thing," said Stefan.
"Command him, Captain," pleaded Grigosie. "In war and love everything is fair."
Ellerey gave way and Stefan shouted the answer.