Part 13 (2/2)
His order was obeyed, Habakkuk McEwen and the African both moving in that direction.
”You come too, papa,” insisted Eva, catching hold of the arm of her father, who smilingly took a step or two.
”Yes,” added Maggie, ”if we all place ourselves beyond reach, why should not _you_ do the same?”
He explained the situation.
”If the Indians get to that ma.s.s of rocks opposite, they can shelter themselves and shoot into the cavern until there is not one of us left.”
”But is it necessary for you to stay out there, and draw their fire to keep them away from us?”
”Not exactly, but we must see that they do not creep to the spot; before doing so, they must pa.s.s under our aim, and it will require no great marksmans.h.i.+p to prevent them.”
Thereupon, directing Gravity and Habakkuk to keep strict watch upon the place, with their rifles c.o.c.ked, Mr. Brainerd deliberately reloaded his gun, and s.h.i.+fting his position so as to screen himself from the bullets that were certain to be sent into the place, he sat like a cat watching for a rat to come out of its hole.
The fugitives talked in low tones, for there was something in the uncertainty that was impressive.
Now that they were removed from imminent danger, they could breathe with some satisfaction, though sobered by their peril.
”It's all that Jake Golcher's doings,” said Aunt Peggy, who was at the extreme rear of the cavern, with one arm around the neck of Eva and the other inclosing that of Maggie.
”I shouldn't wonder if you are right,” replied Maggie; ”he must be a wicked man indeed.”
”Umph!” exclaimed the maiden, with a sniff, ”there ain't a more scand'lous villain that ever drawed the breath of life, and I know what I'm saying, and jus' to think, you had a chance and didn't shoot him.”
”But, aunty--”
”Shet up, don't interrupt me,” broke in the relative, with a vigorous shake of the arm inclosing the neck of Maggie.
”How many times have I told you not to interrupt me when I am talking?
Don't you know what's good manners?”
”But, aunty,” said Maggie, softly, ”I don't see how I can talk at _any_ time without interrupting you.”
Eva giggled, but fortunately Aunt Peggy did not catch the full meaning of the demure remark, and she said, rather sharply:
”It's easy enough to tell when I'm talking by just listening, and when I'm talking you must keep still; but I want you to remember that that piece of burglary on your part has got to be settled.”
”What do you mean, aunty?”
”I told you you deserved your ears cuffed, and when we get to a place where I can do it with some comfort to myself, I am going to cuff them, _that_ you can depend on.”
There could be no question about the earnestness of these words, and Maggie, like an obedient child, said nothing, glad to await the time when her aunt should punish her for sparing the wretch who was now trying to hound them to their death.
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