Part 43 (1/2)
”I demand your immediate and unconditional surrender!”
”I have the right to retire under a flag of truce and consider your proposition with my men--”
Pate started to go and Brown stood in front of him.
”You're not going.”
”You will violate a flag of truce?”
Brown signaled his men to advance and surround Pate.
”You're not going, sir,” he repeated.
”I claim my rights under a flag of truce accepted by you for this parley. An Indian respects that flag.”
Brown pointed to his men who were standing within the sound of their voices.
”Order those men to surrender.”
Pate folded his arms and remained silent.
Brown placed his revolver at the Deputy Marshal's breast and shouted.
”Tell your men to lay down their arms!”
Pate refused to speak. There was a moment's deadly silence and the Marshal's posse, to save the life of their Captain, threw down their guns and the whole party were made prisoners.
The United States Cavalry at Fort Leavenworth were ordered to the scene to rescue the Deputy Marshal and his men.
CHAPTER XXII
The bugles at Fort Leavenworth sounded Boots and Saddles for the march on Brown and his guerrillas. The barracks were early astir with the excitement. Stern work might be ahead. Outlaws who would dare violate a flag of truce, to take a United States Marshal and his posse would have no more respect for cavalry. The men and officers were tired of disorder. They were eager for a stand up and knock down fight. They expected it and they were ready for it.
Stuart's bride was crying. In spite of her young husband's gay banter, she persisted in being serious.
”There's no danger, honey girl!” he laughed.
She touched the big cavalry pistol in its holster, her lips still trembling.
”No--you're just galloping off on a picnic.”
”That's all it will be--”
”Then you can take me with you.”
Stuart's brow clouded.
”Well, no, not just that kind of a picnic.”