“Bab, you and Ruth are both crazy!” protested Mollie, half-laughing, and half-frightened.
Bang! Bang! The blows on the door were tremendous. “If you don’t let us in, you’ll be sorry!” called one of the men.
Bab had already found an old hat of Naki’s conveniently near. Ceally, who was giggling nervously, produced a hunting jacket of her husband’s, which had seen much service. It was not clean, but Bab slipped into it, determined to see her plan through.
Nor was Barbara the only hero. While she was making her extraordinary costume, Ruth had torn down a squirrel skin, which some previous hunter had tacked on their cabin wall and twisted it around her head so that the tail hung down to one side. Then she slipped on her own leather coat, which she gave a more dilapidated appearance, by wearing it wrong side out.
Both girls got behind chairs to hide their skirts.
“Good gracious, Ruth!” giggled Bab, in spite of her excitement. “You look like Daniel Boone.”
During their preparation not a word was heard from Miss Sallie, who was closeted in her own room.
“Ceally, open the door!” cried Ruth, raising her rifle and leveling it in front of her.
Bab put her elbow on the back of her chair to steady her shotgun.
“Girls!” cried Miss Stuart, unexpectedly. “Don’t dare to open that door!”