The application was refused, and the captain gave order to weigh anchor and put out to sea. "Sure and the skipper is as hot as a roast pertater," said Gilligan; "he thinks for sure that the rebels of Cork will take you all off the ship by force, so he is going to put out to sea." The _Solebay_ left Cork harbor that day and did not return. After a long sail the shore of North Carolina was reached, and the hearts of the Americans beat high with hope. The captain was almost amiable, but it was with a fiendish glee caused by the belief that the American prisoners were to be hanged on American soil. "I want to see," he said, to Allen, "American trees bearing the best fruit, and plenty of it." "I am sure I re-echo your wish," answered Allen, whereupon the captain laughed and declared that the fruit he meant was dead Americans hanging from the boughs. For several weeks the _Solebay_ stayed at Cape Fear, and the prisoners were treated with great harshness. One morning their hopes were again raised by an order for all to appear on deck. "Stand in line!" ordered the officer. The men did so and the roll was called. "Colonel Allen, step forward!" It was the first time he had been addressed by his title, and all thought it meant an exchange at least. "Now select fifteen of the most deserving men among your company, and order them to stand out." Allen selected the desired number. "Thank you, Col. Allen. The fifteen will remain, the others can go below. The fifteen will be hanged to-morrow morning at sunrise. I thank you in the name of his majesty for having selected the most worthy." CHAPTER XXXI. A DARING SWIM. "Coward!" It was only one word, but that one word contained a wealth of contempt and scorn which made the officer tremble. "Place those men in chains!" The sergeant of marines saluted and gave the order to the remaining prisoners to return to their prison place. Allen countermanded the order. "Listen to me. I am a freeborn man, and, though a prisoner, I am a prisoner of war. I was promised fair treatment for myself and men if we would surrender at Quebec. Is this what you call fair treatment?" "I am very sorry for you, Col. Allen; but, since I am a soldier, I am compelled to obey orders." "And who gave you such an order?" "That I may not answer--as you ought to know, being a soldier yourself." "Are these men to be hanged?" "So I was ordered to say. I have only acted according to instructions." It was the man that spoke, not the officer. His softened voice showed that he had carried out a very distasteful order, and that his manhood revolted at it. "Can I not make an appeal personally to the general commanding?" "That would be impossible." "Are these men to be hanged without trial?"