Part 56 (2/2)
His first look at the man's face startled him. The full gray beard could not mask the terrible mouth which he had studied one day in Kansas. And nothing could dim the flame that burned in his blue-gray eyes.
He recognized him instantly.
”Why, aren't you old Osawatomie Brown of Kansas, whom I once held there as my prisoner?”
”Yes, but you didn't keep me.”
”I have a written communication from Colonel Lee.”
”Read it.”
Stuart drew the sheet of paper from his pocket and read in his clear, ringing voice:
”Headquarters Harper's Ferry,
October 18, 1859.
Colonel Lee, United States Army, commanding the troops sent by the President of the United States to suppress the insurrection at this place, demands the surrender of the people in the Armory buildings.”
”If they will peaceably surrender themselves and return the pillaged property, they shall be kept in safety to await the orders of the President. Colonel Lee reports to them, in all frankness, that it is impossible for them to escape, that the Armory is surrounded by troops, and that if he is compelled to take them by force he cannot answer for their safety.
R. E. LEE, _Colonel Commanding U. S. Troops_.”
Stuart waited and Brown made no reply.
”You will surrender?”
”I will not,” was the prompt answer.
In vain the young officer tried to persuade the stubborn old man to submit without further loss of life.
”I advise you to trust to the clemency of the Government,” Stuart urged.
”I know what that means, sir. A rope for my men and myself. I prefer to die just here.”
”I'll give you a short time to think it over and return for your final answer.”
Brown at once began to barricade the doors and windows. And Stuart reported to his commander.
Lee met him at the gate.
”Well?”
”A little surprise for us, Colonel--”
”He refuses to surrender?”
<script>