The commander took his place by the side of the planter of Riverlawn, and the column moved up the declivity. The fire was still burning brightly, and lighted up the whole of the surrounding region. It was evidently replenished with fuel frequently, in order to enable the entrapped foe to observe the movements of the visitors. The approach of the forces appeared to cause a decided sensation in the ranks of the ruffians, and presently a white flag was displayed in front of them. "Captain Titus seems to have a passion for white flags," said the colonel. "He tried that dodge for the second time over on the new road." "And for the third time on this road," added the major. "But there appears to be some reason for showing it this time." The major did not give an order to halt this time; but the force marched to a point within twenty-five feet of the front rank of the ruffians, if there could be said to be anything like a rank in the mob. Then the command to halt was given. "I shall leave you to do all the talking, Colonel Belthorpe," said the major, as he backed his horse so as to leave the commander alone at the front. "I am quite willing to do the talking, but I may need your advice," replied the colonel. The planter of Riverlawn could distinctly make out his brother at this distance, and he was glad that he had not been shot dead, or apparently wounded. Two men came from the direction of the fire, bearing lighted torches, and placed themselves one on each side of Captain Titus and another person at his side, who carried the white flag. "Do you know that man with the flag, Squire Truman?" asked Major Lyon, as he observed the proceedings on the other side. "I ought to know him, for I prosecuted him for an assault not long ago," replied the lawyer. "That is Swin Pickford, a bully and a ruffian of the vilest sort." "My brother is not very particular in the selection of his associates," added Noah Lyon very sadly. Captain Titus advanced with the flag and the torches at a stately pace, as though he were the victor instead of the vanquished in the several conflicts of the night, and halted in the middle of the space between the contestants. "I desire to meet Noah Lyon," said he. "I decline to meet him," called the owner of the name. "He declines to meet you on the present occasion," replied the commander sternly. "This is not exactly a fraternal meeting, and there is only one question which is in order: Do you surrender?" "Surrender? No! not as long as there is a breath left in my body!" replied the leader of the ruffians, as fiercely as though he expected to have all his own way in spite of his disastrous defeat. "What do you want, then?" demanded the colonel. "I want justice!" stormed Captain Titus. "If you got it you would be swinging to one of these trees; and that is where you would be if you were not the brother of Major Lyon."