Stalemate Page 2

"Ohe officer and three men," Jeremy says to the British.  "One badly wounded.  Not much of a force, are you?" "We'll hold our own.  Would you consider extending our truce so we can speak face to face?" Jeremy agrees, and the two officers approach one another.

"Lieutenant Martin," the British soldier introduces himself. "Captain --" Jeremy begins, then stops, reluctant to reveal his name.  "Just leave it at that.  You asked for a truce.  What are your terms?" "Surrender." "I accept.  Your sword, please?" Martin is offended.  "You're surrender, not mine! "We've extended the truce this far," Jeremy points out.  "We might extend it a bit farther, long enough for us all to dig our way out together.  Under my command." "Joint command!" Martin objects. "Agreed.

"Henry, bring up the troops," Jeremy says, then watches with a smile as Henry, Isak and Elizabeth approach.  "My troops, Lieutenant." Martin is surprised, but makes no comment.

Together, the soldiers and rebels begin digging through the rocks and dirt.  Meanwhile, Elizabeth cares for the wounded British soldier.  "That's very good of you, Miss," Martin tells her. "I have no taste for death, no matter the uniform," she replies.  "Even yours."

Several methods are used to try to break through the earth, but all are futile.  Finally, they decide to pool their gunpowder in an attempt to blast open an air hole.  At first, the British are reluctant to part with their weapons, but accepting the fact that the rebels will be disarming themsevles as well, they agree. With the air hole successfully opened, the British share their rations with the rebels and they rest for a while before they resume digging.

At dawn, the soldiers and rebels finally break through and emerge into the open, but are confronted by a British soldier.  "Out of a mine and into a noose," Jeremy mutters. Martin interferes and explains that his men had been trapped, and were helped by "these civilians."

After the other soldiers are relieved, Jeremy says to Martin, "The truce was up the moment we crawled out, but we thank you for the temporary reprieve." "The reprieve is permanent," Martin replies.  "Let's hope we don't meet again in battle." "Lieutenant, you never told us your Christian name." With a grin, he replies, "It's Jeremy!" Laughing, the young rebels walk over the hill into the sunrise as Martin waves goodbye.