"We would have our minister."
For so they thought of ministers in those days. But I would have cried for certain others before him, being, as it were, a man prepared and ready to go. However, I tell it as James Harkness said it.
"Ye shall have your minister," said the officer.
"And the lass," cried I, striking in, for which James did not thank me.
"And the lass," the officer repeated, moving a little at hearing a new voice.
"And her father and the other prisoners," I added.
The officer hung a little on his words.
"Do you want them all? Must ye have them?"
"Aye, all—or we will take the lives of every one of you!"
"Then," said the officer, "my life is forfeit to the Council. Another shall surrender the prisoners and not I."