At each halting place where French troops were stationed, the British prisoners were received with warm hospitality by them, when they learned from their comrades that the British had fought side by side with the French against the guerillas, and had saved them from what might have been a very serious disaster.

The French shook hands with them warmly, patted them on the shoulders, with many exclamations of "Braves garcons!" and they were led away to cafes, and treated as the heroes of the day, while the officers were entertained by those of the garrison.
At Bayonne they and their escort parted on the most cordial terms, the French exclaiming that it was a shame such brave fellows should be held as prisoners; and that they ought to be released at once, and sent back in a ship, with a flag of truce, to Portugal.
The major, after handing over the soldiers to the prison authorities, took Terence and the other British officers to the headquarters of the governor of the town; and introduced them to him, giving him a lively account of the fight with the guerillas, and the manner in which the prisoners, armed only with clubs and the muskets of the soldiers no longer able to use them, had made common cause with the French and, joining them in the sortie, defeated the Spanish with heavy loss.

The governor expressed, courteously, his thanks to the officers for the part they had taken.
"I shall forward Major Marcy's report to headquarters, gentlemen, and shall be happy to give you the liberty of the town on parole.

I have no doubt that, if no other good comes of your adventure, you will be placed among an early list of officers to be exchanged." "I am very much obliged to you, general," Terence said, "but I and Lieutenant Ryan would prefer not to give our parole.

I don't say we are likely to make our escape but, at any rate, we should like to be able to take any opportunity, if we saw one." The general smiled.
"Of course, it must be as you like, sir; but I think that you are wrong.