The three men walked up the street conversing. Meanwhile Captain Doc entered his own apartments, which it will be remembered, were in the same building as the armory or drill room.
“I’ve been in my shirt sleeves,” said he to his wife, “ever since I left my bench at noon; but, (with a grim smile,) if I’m gwoine to see such big men as General Baker or the Laud, I reckon I’d best put my coat on.”
“Oh, Doc, don’t talk so ’bout de Laud! I’m awful scarred to have yo’ go.”
“I’ve got a right to go. They say General Baker’s gone up to the Council Chamber, and he and Garndon’ll be expecting us.”
“I’m awful scarred fo’ yo’, an’ I’m a mind to go ’way myself. ’Spex they’ll be shootin’ ’round yere so the baby couldn’t sleep no how. Mann Harris, he’s taken his wife off, ’bout an hour by sun, or so, poor soul! sick as she’s been, now mighty nigh on to a year. Mann tole me he’d positive his word thar’ would be no fuss nor killin’; but I’d positive my word he war’ ’feared, else he wouldn’t come totin’ Dinah down all dem stairs, an hauled ’er off up to Miss Pipton’s; fo’ it’s mighty nigh on to fo’ mile ovah da; and Dinah has determined to me that it hurt her tolerable bad to stir at all.”
The Captain had been looking out of the window while she spoke, towards Dunn’s store and the Council Chambers, Turning abruptly, he asked—
“Where is the baby?”
“I done toted ’er ovah to Elder Jackson’s but I can’t let ’er stay dar. I’ll jes lock up de house, an’ git de baby, an’ clar out ovah de rivah, fo’ de scar o’ stayin’ in dis yere house’ll perish me out, if I’m de onus one fo’ a quarter hour mo’.”
“Now, Debby, yo’ get the baby, and take ’er over to Rives’s, and stay thar, he’s been so conciliating to ’em, and they think a heap o’ him. Blamed but I wish the baby was here a minute till I kiss ’er ’fo’ I go up to see General Baker. Don’t get scared now. They won’t hurt the women, I reckon. It’s only them as votes an’ can manage a gun they’re after. Take care yo’rself,” and he kissed her.
“Oh, ain’t yo’ scarred to go, Doc?” sobbed she, clinging to him. “I spex yo’re forced to by persuasion; but I’m feared they’ll put a bullet into yo’, and maybe fifty.” Here she broke down entirely, and wept aloud, sobbing, “Oh, don’t go, Doc! don’t go!”