Neal nodded. “They’ve fired the first shot and there has been a battle. We boys are going to help out our side.”
“Oh, dear!” Alison shook her head. “Do you suppose it will last long?”
“Can’t tell. It depends upon how soon we lick ’em.”
“You are sure to do that.”
“Sure as shootin’.”
“Will there be fighting up this way?”
“I reckon not, but we can’t tell so early in the game.”
Alison glanced out of the door at the quiet scene before her. She shuddered as her gaze returned again to the long rifle. “I wish John didn’t have to go,” she said, “but I know he will. He’s always said he would. I’ll go find him, but I must say I wish you hadn’t come; for the first time I wish that of you, Neal Jordan.”
The young man looked at her with a half smile. “I’m glad it’s the first time,” he said simply, “and I hope it will be the last time you need say that.”
“What does make you men so eager to fight?” Alison asked, looking back, as she stood with her hand on the door.