“Will they not attempt anything against the blockhouse? You have seen what they can threaten if they will.”
“Too much rum. Arrowhead sleep, or no dare; French captain gone away, or no dare. All go to sleep now.”
“And you think I am safe for this night, at least?”
“Too much rum. If Lily like June, might do much for her people.”
“I am like you, June, if a wish to serve my countrymen can make a resemblance with one as courageous as yourself.”
“No, no, no!” muttered June in a low voice; “no got heart, and June no let you, if had. June's moder prisoner once, and warriors got drunk; moder tomahawked 'em all. Such de way red skin women do when people in danger and want scalp.”
“You say what is true,” returned Mabel, shuddering, and unconsciously dropping June's hand. “I cannot do that. I have neither the strength, the courage, nor the will to dip my hands in blood.”
“T'ink that too; then stay where you be—blockhouse good—got no scalp.”
“You believe, then, that I am safe here, at least until my father and his people return?”
“Know so. No dare touch blockhouse in morning. Hark! all still now—drink rum till head fall down, and sleep like log.”