"What force have you?"
I smiled, amused at his display of nerve.
"You will have to come in to discover that, my friend."
His naturally florid face reddened with anger.
"I'm not here to joke," he retorted. "General Chambers wishes me to
offer you a last opportunity to surrender without bloodshed."
"And if I refuse?"
"We shall attack at once, sir," haughtily. "A glance about will show you
the helplessness of your position."
I waited long enough to glance again over the scene. I was convinced
they possessed no artillery which could be spared from the front for
this small affair, and believed we were capable of making a strong
defence against musketry. With the exception of that battalion of
infantry near the gate, and the cavalry regiment in the orchard, every
organized body of troops was being hurried forward to strengthen their
line of battle. Even General Chambers and his staff had disappeared over
the hill, and every sound that reached us evidenced a warm engagement.
The stream of wounded soldiers flowing back across the pike was
thickening, and Federal shells were already doing damage at
this distance.
"I thank you for your information," I said civilly, "but we shall
endeavor to hold the house."
"You mean to fight!"
"Yes--if you wish this place you will have to come and take it.
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