“Why?” asked Glenn.
“Hang it, it’s the Indians again!” replied Joe, seizing his musket.
“It is Sneak and his men,” observed Boone, when another shout was uttered.
“Hang me, if I don’t have a peep at ’em first, anyhow,” said Joe, approaching the gate cautiously, and peering through a small crevice.
“Ya-hoo!” repeated those without.
“Who are you? why don’t you speak out?” said Joe, still unable to see their faces.
“Dod—I mean—plague take it! Joe, is Mr. Boone standing there with you?” asked Sneak.
“No,” replied Joe, opening the gate.
“Then dod rot your hide! why didn’t you let us in?” said Sneak, rushing through the gate, and followed by five of the neighbours.
“Why, Sneak, how could I tell that you wern’t Indians?” said Joe.