An hour later he stood among a few companies of British soldiers in front of the massive stone store-house of the Lavilettes' abandoned farmhouse, with its thick shuttered windows and its solid oak doors.

It was too late to attempt the fugitive's escape, save by strategy.

Over half an hour Nic had kept them at bay.

He had made loopholes in the shutters and the door, and from these he fired upon his assailants.
Already he had wounded five and killed two.
Men had been sent for timber to batter down the door and windows.
Meanwhile, the troops stood at a respectful distance, out of the range of Nic's firing, awaiting developments.
Ferrol consulted with the officers, advising a truce and parley, offering himself as mediator to induce Nic to surrender.

To this the officers assented, but warned him that his life might pay the price of his temerity.