"Simply that you and your men are my prisoners, monsieur," answered I. "Nay, do not move, I beg you,"--as the Frenchmen seemed to be preparing for a rush.  "The man who moves will be shot dead without further warning.  It is useless to dream of resistance, for my men are fully armed, while you are not; therefore, to save unnecessary bloodshed, I beg that you will at once surrender.  You see the force of my argument, I am sure, Monsieur Favart?"