"They can, but they won't; for they'd rather make us prisoners. No red varmint shall ever take me captive."
"Nor me either," added Turner and Megill together.
"That seems to be the only thing we can do. We ought to be able to make a stand there until to-morrow, when there may be help from Wild Oaks."
"All make ready; I'll lead the way."
There was not a heart from which a fervent prayer was not sent up to heaven; but the men compressed their lips and nerved themselves for the final effort. Colonel Preston caught up Mary the elder, kissed and pressed her to his heart. She returned the caresses, and he held her on his left arm, while the right hand grasped his rifle. The wife did the same with Susie, for the weapon she had cast aside was too valuable to leave behind.
"Hadn't I better lead de way?" asked Blossom Brown, crowding forward.
"Why?"
"'Cause I'll kind ob darken tings, so de Injines can't see us."
"Wait till we start, and then you may lead if you can."
Jo Stinger leaned his long rifle against the wall, and with a firm, strong hand removed the bars one after the other. Then the door was drawn inward, he picked up his gun, and looked around at the group.