Joe retreated to a corner of the room into which the light of the lamp did not penetrate.
"Sit down at that table!" ordered Buck, and he placed a generous portion of fried eggs and ham before her.
"I can't eat. Is Dan—"
"I hear 'em at the window!"
He slipped onto a box on the opposite side of the table and leaned towards her, supporting his chin in his hands. Kate began to eat hurriedly.
"No! no!" advised Buck. "You eat as if you was scared. You want to be slow an' deliberate. Watch out! They've moved the board that covers the window!"
For he saw a group of astonished faces outside.
"Smile at me!"
Her response made even Buck forget her pallor. Outside the house there was a faint buzz of whispers.
"Keep it up!"