“Prisoners, my dearest Jules; prisoners, do you understand?  Will you please arrange with dear Armitage to let us go home and be good?”

Claiborne emptied the contents of Durand’s pockets upon the ground and tossed a flask to Armitage.

“We will discuss matters at the bungalow.  They always go to the nearest farm-house to sign the treaty of peace.  Let us do everything according to the best traditions.”

A moment later Oscar ran in from the direction of the gap, to find the work done and the party ready to leave.

“Where is the Servian?” demanded Armitage.

The soldier saluted, glanced from Chauvenet to Durand, and from Claiborne to Armitage.

“He will not come back,” said the sergeant quietly.

“That is bad,” remarked Armitage.  “Take my horse and ride down to Storm Springs and tell Baron von Marhof and Judge Claiborne that Captain Claiborne has found John Armitage, and that he presents his compliments and wishes them to come to Mr. Armitage’s house at once.  Tell them that Captain Claiborne sent you and that he wants them to come back with you immediately.”

“But Armitage—­not Marhof—­for God’s sake, not Marhof.”  Chauvenet staggered to his feet and his voice choked as he muttered his appeal.  “Not Marhof!”

“We can fix this among ourselves—­just wait a little, till we can talk over our affairs.  You have quite the wrong impression of us, I assure you, Messieurs,” protested Durand.

“That is your misfortune!  Thanks for the brandy, Monsieur Durand.  I feel quite restored,” said Armitage, rising; and the color swept into his face and he spoke with quick decision.

“Oh, Claiborne, will you kindly give me the time?”

Claiborne laughed.  It was a laugh of real relief at the change in Armitage’s tone.

“It’s a quarter of seven.  This little scrap didn’t take as much time as you thought it would.”

Oscar had mounted Armitage’s horse and Claiborne stopped him as he rode past on his way to the road.

“After you deliver Mr. Armitage’s message, get a doctor and tell him to be in a hurry about getting here.”

“No!” began Armitage.  “Good Lord, no!  We are not going to advertise this mess.  You will spoil it all.  I don’t propose to be arrested and put in jail, and a doctor would blab it all.  I tell you, no!”

“Oscar, go to the hotel at the Springs and ask for Doctor Bledsoe.  He’s an army surgeon on leave.  Tell him I want him to bring his tools and come to me at the bungalow.  Now go!”

The conspirators’ horses were brought up and Claiborne put Armitage upon the best of them.

“Don’t treat me as though I were a sick priest!  I tell you, I feel bully!  If the prisoners will kindly walk ahead of us, we’ll graciously ride behind.  Or we might put them both on one horse!  Forward!”

Chauvenet and Durand, as they marched ahead of their captors, divided the time between execrating each other and trying to make terms with Armitage.  The thought of being haled before Baron von Marhof gave them great concern.