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