“I shall not; we don’t take boarders, and I have not invited you as guests. Go away at once, or I will report you to the general in command.”
“D——n you, move aside, or I will throw you down.”
“Keep your hands off if you are wise,” said Cecil, instantly placing one of her own in her pocket, and never removing her steady eyes from his face.
“By God! I believe you have got a pistol; let’s search her person for arms.”
“I have a pistol and shall shoot the first person that 228 touches me, even if you all strike and kill me afterwards. Leave this yard, and do it at once. By 3 o’clock I will give you an answer if you come here for quarters then; now go!”
“You little rebel devil! We will be back, and we will stay next time, be sure; and will take that same pistol from you, too.”
With an extra volley of fearful curses they departed and the girls rushed to Cecil, who, after the excitement was over and nerve no longer needed, turned white and faint. Then they all sat down and cried, feeling like desolate orphans.
MOSBY’S MEN AND TWO NOBLE GIRLS
[In Wearing of the Gray, pages 545-547.]