“We’ll load them with powder now; perhaps we shan’t need anything else,” Ruth replied.
In the gathering darkness Phillis saw a redcoat reconnoitring the grounds. He rapped upon the door leading to the kitchen. She did not unloose the chain, but opened it sufficiently wide to talk with the fellow.
“What d’ye want?” she asked.
“I want to come in.”
“What d’ye want to come in for?”
“To see if ye have anything belonging to the king. People have seized the king’s property and taken it into their houses.”
“We haven’t anything belonging to King George.”
“Open the door or I’ll break it down.”
“Go away. Dere can’t no lobster come into dis yeer kitchen,” said Phillis, attempting to close the door. But she saw the muzzle of a gun thrust into the opening. Her hands grasped it. One vigorous pull and it was hers, and the villain was fleeing.
“I’se got it! I’se got de villin’s gun. Wid de pistils, de musket, and de b’ilin’ water we’ll fight ’em!” she shouted.