"
He named the six. They were Colonel Morrice, Sir John Digby, and four
others who had been in the party of twelve.
"These must be delivered up without conditions," he continued. "The rest
of you may return to your homes, and apply to the Parliament for release
from all prosecution. In this I will lend you my aid."
The leaders of the garrison debated this proposal, and after a short
time returned their answer.
"We acknowledge your clemency and courtesy," they said, "and would be
glad to accept your terms did they not involve a base desertion of some
of our fellows. We cannot do as you say, but will make this offer. Give
us six days, and let these six men do what they can to deliver
themselves, we to have the privilege of assisting them. This much we ask
for our honor."
"Do you agree to surrender the castle and all within it at the end of
that time?" asked Lambert.
"We pledge ourselves to that."
"Then I accept your proposal. Six days' grace shall be allowed you."
Just what they proposed to do for the release of their proscribed
companions did not appear. The castle was closely and strongly invested,
and these men were neither rats nor birds. How did they hope to escape?
The first day of the six passed and nothing was done.
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