“Major Brennan,” I said firmly, ignoring his efforts to silence me, “you must listen to reason whether you wish to do so or not. My troopers are all around you; I have two men to your one in this house, and can enforce my will if necessary. Now mark what I say--we are not here in anger or in war, but to help you in the protection of endangered women. We captured your courier, have despatched one of our own number into the Federal camp for aid, and have fought our way in here to stand beside you and your men in defence of this house against those ruffians without. You can use us or not, just as you please; it rests with you to say whether we shall be comrades in arms on this occasion, or whether I shall assume command by the power of force which I chance to control.” He seemed utterly unable to grasp my full meaning, to comprehend the situation. “You mean, you would fight with us? under my command?” he asked incredulously. “I offer my services under your orders,” I replied clearly, “and these men in gray will obey mine.” I actually thought he would extend his hand, but some remembrance suddenly restrained him. “I--of course, Captain Wayne,” he stammered, at length, “I--I must accept your offer. I--I am grateful for it, but I shall insist upon one thing; there must be a final settlement of the personal matter existing between us. I am not willing to waive my rights in this.” “There is no occasion for your doing so, sir,” I answered coldly, for I considered the reference at that moment in extremely ill taste. “When our work here has been accomplished, you will find me very much at your service.” He bowed gravely. “I am exceedingly glad we understand each other,” he said. “May I ask the size of your command?” “Sergeant,” I questioned, “whom have we lost?” “Nelson vos kilt, I dinks; der Kid is not here yet, und Sands vos vounded bad.” “Very well; then, Major Brennan, I tender you sixteen men fit for duty, besides myself. You are doubtless acquainted with the house, and can assign us to positions where our services will prove of greatest value.” He had completely recovered his self-control by this time, and spoke now with the terse sentences of a tried soldier. “I thank you, Captain Wayne, and will ask you to choose four men and assume command of the east side of the house. Caton, you will take the same number for defence of the rear. Captain, what is your sergeant's name?” “Ebers, an experienced German soldier.” “I should have suspected his nationality. Let him have command of four more, and cover the west windows. I shall defend the front myself, as I have been doing.” “Very well,” I answered shortly, for his eyes had remained fixed upon me all the time he was talking. “Take the positions assigned you, lads, and do not permit a man from without to put foot on the veranda. If they once succeed in getting under cover of the porch roof, they will give us plenty of trouble.”