His eye was pressed to an opening, and he did not turn.
“I fear not, Mademoiselle. A few minutes more may settle it. But we can give them a fight.”
“If they come again, will you let me shoot, M’sieu?”
He turned in surprise, and looked at her slight figure.
“Yes; I can help. I have shot before.”
He laughed, with the excitement of the moment, and nodded. Then they were silent. She knelt by his side and looked through another opening. The women and children had retreated well up the path. The warriors were crowded together, just out of range, talking and shouting excitedly. A moment later a number of these slipped to the rear and ran off between the huts.
“What does that mean, M’sieu? Will they come around behind?”
“Yes. Watch out, Father. You will hear from them soon.”
“Very well, M’sieu. It will be hard. There are trees and bushes here for cover.”