I told her that I had not seen them for two hours, and I had thought that they were in the house.
“Did you tell them about the Indians?”
“Yes, I did,” I replied, “and stated my opinion that they would attack us this night, and I advised them not to go far from the cabin, or they might be cut off.”
“Then the cowardly sneaks have run off to the woods, and left us to defend ourselves how we can.”
“I shall not defend myself,” replied I. “I shall stay here where I am. I wait for death, and will not avoid it.”
“Come into the house,” said she, abruptly.
“No,” replied I, “I will not.”
“You will not,” said she, and, catching up the chain and ball in one hand, with her other arm she caught me round the waist, and carried me into the house.
“Well,” replied I, “it is only deferring it a little longer; they will force their way in it at last, and I will die here.”
“Wait until they arrive,” replied my mistress. “But do you mean to say that you will not defend the house?”