"What have you that I can use as a weapon?"
"There isn't a single article in this house which is dangerous except the carving knife, and that is very dull."
"It will be better than nothing."
"But you surely don't intend to go out there when desperate men may be laying in wait to take your life!"
"Something must be done; we can't stay shut up here and allow them to do as they please."
"But you'll be killed, Jack dear"; and poor old Aunt Nancy clung to the boy in a frenzy of fear. "To think that I've been expecting something of the kind all my life, and it has come at last!"
A sound as if the shed door had been closed told Jack he was wasting what might be precious time.
"Get the carving knife quick," he whispered, "and when I go out lock the door after me."
Aunt Nancy obeyed in silence.
She brought the knife much as though it was the deadliest of weapons, and put it in Jack's hands with something very like awe.