Read paragraph 13.

[13] For twenty-six days I was held a military prisoner in that black hole. I would not give in. I would not leave the state. At any time, if I would do so, I could have my freedom. General Chase and his bandits thought that by keeping me in that cold cellar, I would catch the flue or pneumonia, and that would settle for them what to do with "old Mother Jones."

What tone does the underlined phrase contribute to?

A.
a provocative tone.
B.
a serious tone.
C.
a nonchalant tone.
D.
a determined tone.