ghed and declared that the fruit he meant was dead Americans hanging
from the boughs.

For several weeks the _Solebay_ stayed at Cape Fear, and the prisoners
were treated with great harshness.

One morning their hopes were again raised by an order for all to appear
on deck.

"Stand in line!" ordered the officer.

The men did so and the roll was called.

"Colonel Allen, step forward!"

It was the first time he had been addressed by his title, and all
thought it meant an exchange at least.

"Now select fifteen of the most deserving men among your company, and
order them to stand out."

Allen selected the desired number.

"Thank you, Col. Allen. The fifteen will remain, the others can go
below. The fifteen will be hanged to-morrow morning at sunrise. I
thank you in the name of his majesty for having selected the most
worthy."

CHAPTER XXXI.

A DARING SWIM.

"Coward!"

It was only one word, but that one word contained a wealth of contempt
and scorn which made the officer tremble.

"Place those men in chains!"

The sergeant of marines saluted and gave the order to the remaining
prisoners to return to their prison place.

Allen countermanded the order.

"Listen to me. I am a freeborn man, and, though a prisoner, I am a
prisoner of war. I was promised fair treatment for myself and men if
we would surrender at Quebec. Is this what you call fair treatment?"

"I am very sorry for you, Col. Allen; but, since I am a soldier, I am
compelled to obey orders."

"And who gave you such an order?"

"That I may not answer--as you ought to know, being a soldier yourself."

"Are these men to be hanged?"

"So I was ordered to say. I have only acted according to instructions."

It was the man that spoke, not the officer. His softened voice showed
that he had carried out a very distasteful order, and that his manhood
revolted at it.

"Can I not make an appeal personally to the general commanding?"

"That would be impossible."

"Are these men to be hanged without trial?"

"Col. Allen, you are a brave man, and can face the worst. I am told,
though I ought not to tell you, that the American rebels have gained
several advantages lately, and the British authorities are determined
to stamp out the rebellion; so----" He paused. The man was ashamed to
utter what he had heard. Gathering courage from Allen's silence he
continued: "We are told that no prisoners are to be treated as
prisoners of war,