Again the trap. I made no reply. I saw that he had been drinking—that he was not himself, and that it was useless to argue with him.
After waiting for an answer, and getting none, the man went out carelessly, leaving the door ajar behind him. At that moment the supper bell rang and he, with others, sat down to the table.
"She wants the keys to the doors, she says," drawled the man I had spoken with regarding them.
"What did ye tell her?" demanded one of the ruffians.
"I told her I would lock the doors myself," said the fellow.
"What does she want of keys? Who is she afraid of? It must be you, Bub; 'tain't me," said one.
"You're a liar!" shouted Bub. "It's the genial dispenser of booze here beside me she's afraid of."
"I'll see to her after supper, you bet!" shouted an official voice, at which I shuddered. A general hubbub now ensued; among others I could distinguish the word "black-snake whip," but I had heard enough.
I was planning as I listened. Leaning forward I kissed the little child beside me, and said softly, "Eat all your supper, dear, and then go to Polly. 'Sully' is going to grandma's."
Throwing a light wrap over my head, I ran out of the front door, and around the west end of the house, careful not to pass the dining-room windows, where the men would see me, and hastened to grandmother's cabin, knowing that I should there find Jennie. Grandmother lived alone except for O Duk Dok, the deaf girl, and they must give me shelter for the night.