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k, when the third ruffian had fallen. "What's wanted?" shouted some one who was prudent enough to keep out of sight. "You may surrender if you prefer that to being shot," replied Deck. "On what terms may we surrender?" demanded the spokesman of the second floor. "No terms." "Do you mean to murder us all?" "It would serve you right. You came here to hang Colonel Hickman, and you would have done so if he had not found friends to assist him in defending his property and his life," added the lieutenant with proper indignation. "We did not intend to hang him if he gave up his money. He is a rich man, and he could afford to part with some of it," said the spokesman. "That is the argument of pirates and robbers. If you wish to surrender, say so; and do it quick!" "We have nothing more to say," returned the spokesman. For an hour longer the situation remained the same. But it required only Fronklyn at the main staircase, and Warren at the rear one, to keep the seven ruffians where they were. The villains were all armed, the planter said; and the lieutenant was not willing to sacrifice the life of even a single member of the loyal party. But the sergeant was impatient to terminate the affair. Deck had seated himself in the parlor in the midst of the broken furniture, where he could talk with the sergeant. "This is becoming rather monotonous," said the latter. "I don't think it is prudent to go up and attack the ruffians," replied Deck. "But I think that something can be done from the outside," suggested Fronklyn. "What?" asked Deck. "I don't know." "I will go out and see if anything can be done. I should like to return to the camp of the Riverlawns; for I suppose my father and the others still believe that you and I were killed in the fight at the intrenchments," replied Deck, as he passed out of the house at the front door. He found Colonel Hickman on the end piazza of the mansion, seated in one of the armchairs. But he was astonished to see the display of arms near him; and he concluded that the weapons the planter kept in his spring-house had been brought up by the negroes to the piazza. At least a dozen rifles were standing against the side of the house, and a box of revolvers was near them. On each side of the colonel was a brass field-piece, with several boxes which he supposed contained ammunition for them. "You seem to be ready for battle, Colonel Hickman," said Deck, as he su
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