"Now, Kate," his great strong arm closed round me like a vise. "The hull country knows you're clear grit, so there's no shame in leaving. For my sake, dear—"
"Do you think I'd leave you in danger?"
He sighed. "I knew it. I cayn't help it, and, Kate, it's the truth, I'd rather see you dead than scared. There's Madam Grizzly, and Señora Cougar, there's Lady Elk, and even Mrs. Polecat, brave as lions. I'd hate to have my mate the only one to run like a scalded cat."
"The program, Jesse?"
"Do you remember, Kate, how we lost five dollars finding out that Dale and me is signalers?"
"And Captain Taylor gave us the signals to raise the district: one fire for feasts, two for help, three for war!"
"That's it, little woman. By dusk I'll be on top of the cliffs, and make my fires back from the rim-rock, where them robbers won't see the glare."