“‘I won’t go,’ sed Tom, turning red.
“Jimmie sed nothin’, but his lip trembled. He thought a heap of Jake, and here he seed him turnin’ tail.
“‘Abe,’ said Jake, speaking quietly; ‘you’ve got no part in this—come with me.’
“‘I’m not running away,’ I sed. ‘I’ll stay with Harry.’
“Jake opened his mouth as if he’d speak, then he turned on his heel and strode away with his axe over his shoulder.
“His brothers turned to look after him, and ole Tolver, he called out in a hard voice, ‘Don’t you come back here again. You’re no son of mine.’ Jake he gave no sign, and I seed Jimmie’s face working.
“‘Yah! you’re afraid like him,’ I sed.
“‘You lie,’ he sed, and hit me ’longside the jaw.
“‘Be quiet, boys,’ said Oll Tolver, ketching Jim by the arm.
“‘Seth,’ said the ole baas, speaking short and firm. ‘Get ter the top of that hill, and keep a sharp look-out. Willie and Jim, bring the cows into the kraal. Oll and Harry, fill the water barrel, and put it inside the house. Tom and you, Abe, move all the things outer the big room, and get the guns ready.’