human
We did,
gpt
And you sent forward a flag of truce?
human
Yes.
gpt
That was for a parley.
human
It was a summons to surrender.
gpt
That makes matters worse. In the town it was supposed to be for a mere parley. When the truth is known, the effect will be still more disagreeable.
human
What do you mean?
gpt
Excuse me a moment. Your messenger was dismissed?
human
He was,
gpt
And the flag fired upon?
human
Yes,
gpt
Then, this is what I mean. Your friends within the town are indignant and disheartened because you did not resent this double insult. They cannot explain it to themselves. They reason thus: either the Bastonnais were strong enough to avenge and punish this outrage, or they were not. If they were strong enough, why did they not sweep to the assault? If they were not strong enough, why expose themselves and us to this terrible humiliation? In the first instance, their inaction was cowardice. In the second supposition, their drawing up in line and sending a flag to demand surrender was a painful fanfaronade.