Mrs. Wilson and Ruth grew paler if possible than before, while Sam and the scout exchanged glances, which told of the apprehension they felt. As for the Yankee, he only muttered:
“Darn it, why couldn’t they have waited a minute longer. They’ve sp’iled a trade.”
CHAPTER IV.
FOUR AGAINST FORTY.
It was only for a moment that the look of apprehension remained upon the face of the scout. Then it vanished and a look of stern determination took its place.
“Look well to the door, Sam,” he said. “There’s a crack there atween the logs by it, and if you get a good chance give ’em a shot that will tell. I’ll go up with Ned, and if we don’t pick off a couple of ’em at least afore they get here, why we’ll make some bad shots, that’s all.”
“What shall I do?” said the Yankee. “Keep the wimmin folks company?”
“Stay here with Sam, and if you find a chance to use them shooters, why do it,” said Dick, as he bounded up the ladder, and felt his way along to the spot where Ned Tapley was kneeling before a loophole which had been left between the logs for the very purpose for which it was now employed.
“Look,” said the young man, moving aside so as to give him a chance to peer into the outer world. “There is more of them than I thought. As near as I can make out there is a good two score of them.”
“So there is,” said Dick, as he glanced hastily through and noted the red-skins that as silently as so many spirits of evil were gliding toward the cabin.
“Rushing Water has got half his warriors with him, I guess. He don’t mean to fail in this thing if he can help it.”