llow out
of sight," replied Deck. "But I have secured my prisoners when they
were guerillas, and not soldiers."

"No doubt you were right in dealing so with these ruffians," added the
captain. "I think we have this gang where not one of them can escape,
and perhaps we may have to bind them as you did their leader."

"There goes the recall!" exclaimed the lieutenant, as the bugle-notes
sounded across the field from the right of the second company, where
Major Lyon had taken his place.

"There is a white flag displayed in the centre of the enemy's line,"
added Captain Gordon. "Your father does not relish a butchery any more
than I do."

The commander of the company took his field-glass from its case, and
directed it towards the position of the major. The troopers fell back,
evidently at the command of their officers, at the signal, stretching
nearly across the field.

"Look through my glass, Deck, and tell me what is going on there," said
the captain, as he handed the glass to the lieutenant. "There is a tall
gentleman there who is a stranger to me; and he seems to be talking and
gesticulating very earnestly."

"That is Colonel Hickman, and it is easy enough for me to guess what he
is talking about," added Deck.

"But the major seems to be as dignified as he always is, and don't
appear to be much moved by what the other is saying. But what is the
matter with Colonel Hickman?"

"He believes in hanging these fellows as fast as they are taken, though
perhaps he would be satisfied to see them cut down before the sabres of
our men. I had to tell him squarely that no prisoner should be hung, or
punished in any manner, except by the law of the land," replied Deck.

"Does he believe in firing or charging on a flag of truce?"

"Doubtless he believes that a flag in the hands of these fellows is not
entitled to be respected."

"Major Lyon is the right man to settle the question, with the advice of
Captain Woodbine," said Captain Gordon. "While they are discussing it,
we will move forward;" and in a loud tone he gave the order to march,
which was repeated by the subordinate officers.

The long line moved forward, at a walk, about half a mile, and halted
forty rods in the rear of the disordered ranks of the enemy. Presently
a sergeant rode across the field, passing to the left of the guerillas,
and making his way to the centre of the first company. It proved to be
Sergeant Fronklyn, who saluted the captain.

"It is th