ered the captain of the
ruffians.

"That is better terms than a defeated company of regular troops of the
Confederate army would have any right to ask for or expect," added the
major with a smile.

"I have named what I consider fair terms under the circumstances; and
now I will ask what terms you are willing to make," continued Captain
Grundy.

"No terms at all," replied Major Lyon very decidedly. "I do not regard
you as soldiers in the service of the Confederacy, but as lawless
marauders, cutthroats, and murderers."

"Good!" exclaimed Colonel Hickman. "That is hitting the nail on the
head."

"Many gentlemen who support the Confederate side of the question have
expressed the same opinions to me. I can make no terms whatever with
you, Captain Grundy. The surrender must be unconditional."

"Do you propose to put us in irons, or bind us with ropes and straps,
as the young officer at your side did?" demanded the guerilla chief
bitterly.

"I should feel entirely justified in doing so if the circumstances
required such an extreme measure; but with the ample force under my
command I don't think such a step would be necessary, though my men
would shoot down any one who attempted to escape."

"Your terms are very unfair and very unchivalrous; and I should judge
that you were a Yankee, as I am told that you are," growled the
marauder.

"Doubtless you consider the robbing of a private mansion, and
threatening to hang the owner if he don't inform you where he has
hidden his money, chivalrous deeds; but I do not so regard them. We are
wasting time. Do you surrender, or shall I order my men to charge upon
your column?" demanded the major.

"What do you intend to do with us after we have laid down our arms?"
asked Captain Grundy, after he had glanced at the files of troopers on
both sides of his command.

"Though the State of Kentucky is in a very disordered state, the civil
law is still in force in most parts of it. I shall deliver you over to
the civil government whose laws you have broken."

"Hemmed in as my men are by six times their number, I have no
alternative but to surrender, unfair and outrageous as the terms are,"
replied the marauder, with a despairing look as he glanced again at the
loyal troops that surrounded his company.

"The terms are better than you deserve, and if I had my way I would
hang you to the nearest tree as a beginning!" shouted Colonel Hickman.

"I may have a chance to do you that favo