Dave, however, made no reply, but turned and stared hard at Jean who was now standing near the table.
"Did you hear what I said, Dave? What do you want?"
"Guess there's only one thing I want now, chief. Where did ye git her?
My! she's a beauty."
At these words the injured man's eyes flashed with anger. He lifted himself to a sitting position, and seized Dave by the arm.
"She's my daughter," he lied, "and if you harm her I'll kill you. See?"
The visitor cowered and shrank back at this fierce threat.
"I didn't mean to harm her," he muttered. "But I didn't know ye had a daughter like that. Where have ye kept her all this time?"
"That's none of your business, Dave. Tell me what you want, and then get out. But, wait, I know you're thirsty. Bring in some rum, daughter," he ordered, looking over at Jean.
The latter was only too glad to get out of the room, and away from the man who in such a short time had filled her heart with fear. Her hands trembled as she picked up a mug and filled it with liquor. She then glanced toward the muskets in the opposite corner, and wondered if they were loaded. She felt more lonely now than ever, and wished for Sam and Kitty. She feared that stranger, and longed to close and bolt the door until he was out of the house. At present, however, there was nothing else for her to do but to be as brave as possible. No trace of fear did she show as she went into the other room, and paused just inside the door. The two men were talking very earnestly, and the invalid seemed to be quite excited.
"You must not let them come here," he was saying. "Keep them away for a day or two, at least."