"I want a word with you under a flag!"
"Say what you have to say, but keep outside that gate!" I retorted.
"John Drogue," says he, "we came here to burn Summer House, and mean to do it. We know how many you have to defend the place——"
"Oh, do you know that? Then tell me, Jock, if you truly possess the information."
"Very well," said he calmly. "You are two white men, a Montagnais dog, and a girl. And pray tell me, sir, how long do you think you can hold us off?"
"Well," said I, "if you are as thrifty with your skins as you have been all day, then we should keep this place a week or two against you."
"What folly!" he exclaimed hotly. "Do you think to prevail against us?"
"Why, I don't know, Jock. Ask Beacraft yonder, who hath a bullet in his belly. He's wiser than he was and should offer you good counsel."
"I offer you safe conduct if you march out at once!" he shouted.
"I offer you one of Beacraft's pills if you do not instantly about face and march into the bush yonder!" I replied.