“They have arms in their hands.”
“I see the arms. They are very rusty. You don’t use them much, I guess.”
“If you refuse we shall take the place.”
“Perhaps you mean you will try to take it.”
“We will take it,” said Van Zandt, speaking for the first time.
“If you can,” replied Barlow, returning the Dutchman’s look of hate and defiance.
“Be quiet, Willie,” said the captain. “It can do no good. Now, sir, to your demand. I hold this post in the name and by the authority of my monarch, king of England. I care nothing for other powers. My force is not large; but, while I or any of my officers or men can lift an arm in its defense, no Dutchman shall enter the block-house, except as a friend. If he comes as an enemy we will give him English steel.”
“You speak plainly.”
“I speak as I feel. Twice to-day murder has been attempted by one of your men. We know him. His name is Carl Anselm, and he is a servant of Captain Van Zandt.”