"Up-stairs there!" he called to the ruffians, who remained there because they could not escape without the certainty of being shot whether they attempted to leave by the windows or the stairs. "Is there any officer among you?" "Lieutenant Billock is here," replied one of them. "Let him show himself." "That is my name," responded a fellow nearly as big as Life Knox at the head of the stairs. "Your commander is a prisoner, and you rank next to him. What do you propose to do, fight or surrender?" Deck inquired of him. "What can I do?" asked the big fellow; and he had not the air of a fighting-man, in spite of his ample proportions. "That is for you to decide," answered Deck. "We are surrounded by double our own number, and caged here like a lot of mules. Give me five minutes to talk to the boys," returned the guerilla lieutenant. "All right; but not a minute more than five," added the officer of cavalry, as he looked at his watch. "What are you gwine to do with 'em when you get 'em?" asked Life in a low tone. "Turn them over to Captain Gordon when I have done my share of the job," answered Deck. "We have concluded to surrender," said Lieutenant Billock at the head of the stairs. "I don't see 's we kin help ourselves under the sucumstances." "Very well; I shall hold you as prisoners, and treat you as I did your captain. Call in six more men, Life." This additional force, carbine in hand, was stationed in the hall by the officer, with orders to shoot any man who resisted or tried to escape; and the orders were given in a loud tone, so that the prisoners on the floor above could hear them. "Now you will form a line up there, and march down in single file, six feet apart. Each man will deposit all his weapons on the floor, and go into the room on the left, after his arms are tied behind him," continued Deck. The prisoners said nothing, and obeyed the order in silence. Lieutenant Billock came first. The bugler was ordered to see that every one put all his arms on the floor, and assist him in doing so. Two men tied his arms behind him, and led him to the sitting-room. All the others followed him, and were served in the same manner. Twenty-two men were counted when the ceremony was finished. The bugler was ordered to blow the Assembly, and the whole platoon gathered in front of the mansion, which faced the east. Lieutenant Lyon appeared to have studied up his plan, for he was ready to take the next step as soon as all the prisoners had been secured. He next formed his men in two ranks, reaching from the mansion to the fence, where the ruffians had hitched their horses, retaining the sergeant and half a dozen soldiers in the hall, where he stood himself. Then he sent half the prisoners out-doors, with their arms still secured behind them, and directed Life in what manner to mount and otherwise dispose of them.