To whom have I the honor of speaking ?" "I am Captain Stilwell, one of the earl's aides de camp; and you, father ?" "I am Ignacio Bravos, the humble padre of the village of San Aldephonso.
And now, Captain Stilwell, if you will excuse me till we make an end of these accursed Frenchmen, afterward I will be at your service." For another two hour's the conflict continued.

Jack saw that the fire of the defenders of the wagons was decreasing, and he was not surprised when a white handkerchief was raised on the top of a bayonet and waved in the air in token of desire to parley.

A shout of exultation rose from the Spaniards.

The priest showed himself on the hillside.
"Do you surrender ?" he shouted.
"We surrender the wagons," an officer called back, "on condition that we are allowed to march off with our arms without molestation." A shout of refusal rose from the peasants, and the firing was instantly renewed.

Jack went and sat down by the side of the priest.
"Father," he said, "it were best to give these men the terms they ask.
War is not massacre." "Quite so, my son," the priest replied coolly.