an for you, for I
am pleased with the bold way that you attacked us; I despise a cowardly
enemy."

"We are much obliged to you for your courtesy," answered Stephen. "But,
sir, does it not occur to you that we should be less inconvenienced if
we had at least our arms at liberty, and were able to guide our horses
over this rough road. Should they fall, we shall be in an unpleasant
predicament, and may chance to break our necks or limbs."

"Will you give your word that you will not attempt to escape, rescue or
no rescue?" asked the officer.

Stephen thought for a moment without answering. There might be an
opportunity of getting free, and should they give their word of honour
not to escape, they would be unable to take advantage of it. There was,
however, very little probability that any party of their friends would
be found able to attack five well-armed dragoons, for even the wounded
men were still able to make a stout defence. The officer appeared to
suspect his thoughts.

"Remember, my friends," he observed, "should a rescue be attempted, the
first thing we should do would be to shoot each of you through the
head."

"Thank you for your frankness, sir," said Stephen. "What do you say,
Andrew; shall we give a promise not to escape, with a remote prospect of
being rescued, and the tolerable certainty of being shot should we make
the attempt to take advantage of it?" said Stephen.

"We will give our word provided we are also to have our legs at liberty,
and can ride like gentlemen," answered Andrew. "We must do it
provisionally, however. If the number of men who may attempt to rescue
us is double that of the dragoons, they will then have a good excuse for
letting us go; and that is, I believe, after all, what Cornet Bryce
wishes."

"I fear that the Cornet will not agree to our arrangement," said
Stephen, "though he may think that there is very little chance of ten or
twenty men suddenly appearing in this part of the country to rescue us."

"Still let us try," said Andrew; "it will show him that we entertain
some hope of being rescued, that our friends will revenge themselves on
him if we are ill-treated. As to shooting us, I do not think he is the
man to do that. We must run no small risk either way, and be prepared
for it."

"Well, lads, have you made up your minds?" asked the Cornet, who, though
holding a subordinate rank, was a man of a certain age.

Andrew, as the eldest, made the proposal he had