When he was ready for the coals the latter were raked out, and Aunt Peggy was invited to come forward and display her skill.
"I'd like to see me cook for you scand'lous villains," she snapped out; "I would do it if I had a lot of p'ison to put in the meat, but not otherwise."
Her refusal probably would have ended in serious consequences to herself, but Mr. Brainerd and Maggie urged her to comply, all saying they were extremely hungry, and in no other way would they be able to secure any food.
In deference to their wishes she stepped forward, and, being furnished with a keen hunting-knife by one of the warriors, plied it with the skill for which she became famous years before.
The pig was in prime condition, and, if properly prepared, would have made an enjoyable delicacy for the table.
But time and circumstances did not favor elaborate cookery, and Aunt Peggy, in grim silence, cut off slices that were nicely broiled by being skewered with green sticks, and held over the glowing coals.
In a few minutes a thin steak was browned and ready for the palate.
"I'll take that, old woman," said Jake Golcher, reaching out for it.
"I'd like to see you get it," said the lady, whipping it away from him; "you good-for-nothing, scand'lous villain, don't you know that ladies orter be waited on fust?"
And with these scarifying words, she walked over to Maggie and Eva, and, cutting the steak in two, handed half to each.