“But he’s waiting close by, of course,” said Loseis. “He may even be watching us from the top of the hill.”
“The simplest thing would be for Gault to ride down and break in the door with an ax,” said Conacher. “If he does, I’ll blow the top of his head off,” he added grimly.
Loseis shook her head. “Gault never does the simple thing.”
“He may lose his head.”
“Moale is there to remind him to be cautious. . . . No! Gault will never attack us in the open. Not while we stick together. I feel that from the inside. He doesn’t care what you would think; but he is too conceited to let me see what a beast he can be.”
“When it came to the final point,” said Conacher, “I don’t believe he could harm you.”
“He’s got to kill me now,” said Loseis simply. “I know too much.”
Conacher walked around the Women’s House, studying it. When he returned he said: “I think we had better make this our fortress. There are no windows in the back; it will be the easiest building to defend. And more comfortable for you girls. I’ll bring over my bed and bunk in the kitchen. You two take the inner room. . . . That is, if you agree.”
“You are the captain,” said Loseis with a warm glance.
“Well, we won’t quarrel over who’s the boss,” said Conacher. “Our first job must be to stock up with food, water, ammunition and firewood.”