The conversation seemed of an angry nature, for the voices of the speakers were loud and irrascible, and their gestures evidenced a state of high excitement.
"I see," said one, who seemed the superior of the party--"I see well where this will end.

We shall have another Queenston affair, as we had last fall with the Delawares." "I only say," replied another, "that if you wish our men to stand fire to-morrow morning, the less you remind them of the Delawares the better.
What is that noise?
Is not that a drum beating ?" The party at these words sprung to their legs, and stood in an attitude of listening for some seconds.
"Who goes there ?" sung out a sentinel from his post; and then, after a moment's delay, added--"Pass flag of truce to Major Brown's quarters." Scarcely were the words spoken, when three officers in scarlet, preceded by a drummer with a white flag, stood before the American party.
"To whom may I address myself ?" said one of the British--who, I may inform my reader, en passant, was no other than O'Flaherty--"To whom may I address myself as the officer in command ?" "I am Major Brown," said a short, plethoric little man, in a blue uniform and round hat--"And who are you ?" "Major O'Flaherty, of his majesty's fifth foot," said Tom, with a very sonorous emphasis on each word--"the bearer of a flag of truce and an amicable proposition from Major-General Allen, commanding the garrison of Fort Peak." The Americans, who were evidently taken by surprise at their intentions of attack being known, were silent, while he continued-- "Gentlemen, it may appear somewhat strange that a garrison, possessing the natural strength of a powerful position--supplied with abundant ammunition and every muniment of war--should despatch a flag of truce on the eve of an attack, in preference to waiting for the moment, when a sharp and well-prepared reception might best attest its vigilance and discipline.

But the reasons for this step are soon explained.

In the first place, you intend a surprise.

We have been long aware of your projected attack.