He had barely uttered the words before Ernest leveled his gun, and exclaimed:
“Surrender!”
“Who are you?” cried the astounded soldier.
“Drop your gun,” exclaimed Ernest sternly, “or I shall kill you.”
The amazed vidette, perceiving that resistance would be in vain, let his gun drop to the earth.
“Now,” said Ernest, “I have no disposition to harm you. All we want is to pass you. Are you willing to let us go?”
“How can I hinder you,” asked the soldier “when I am disarmed?”
“But you must promise not to pursue us.”
“Where are you going?” asked the soldier.