“I am greatly disappointed, general,” said Colonel Oxburgh. “I expected very different terms from you.”
“I have already told you that I will make no terms with rebels such as you,” rejoined Wills. “If you are not satisfied, return to the town, and an hour hence—to the minute—I will attack you, and put you to the sword.”
“Do you mean me to understand, general,” said Oxburgh, looking at him steadfastly, “that King George will show us no mercy?”
“I do not say that,” replied Wills. “Nor do I hold out any promise. Your best chance of obtaining mercy is by surrendering yourselves prisoners at discretion.”
Finding nothing more could be obtained, Colonel Oxburgh departed.
V.—CAPTAIN DALZIEL HAS A CONFERENCE WITH WILLS.
Inquiring glances were thrown at the envoy as he rode through the Fishergate barricade, but he went on till he was stopped by Brigadier Mackintosh, who said to him in a fierce voice:
“What means this cessation of arms? Why have you quitted the town? You have been sent by Forster to propose a treaty for capitulation—and without privity or concurrence of the Scots.”