human
I wonder whether that poor fellow is under that?
gpt
I hope not, indeed. I fancy he must have got away. He might have slipped off when they first rode up. He may be hiding somewhere round, afraid to come near till he knows how matters have turned out.
human
There is nothing to be done, till morning, Dick said,
gpt
I hardly think I shall be justified in taking you, Reuben said, as he walked back towards the house.
human
These scoundrels are all armed to the teeth, and they are first-rate shots. They know every foot of the country, and against anything like equal numbers they would make a desperate fight of it, even if they did not thrash us. Of course, in anything like an equal number of my own men I should not hesitate, but I don't think it will be fair for you settlers to undertake such a service as that.
gpt
Listen! Shillito exclaimed,
human
I don't think it can be them, Reuben said.
gpt
They would have no motive in coming back, after they once rode off. They would know we should be ready for them.
human
I don't see who else it can be. At any rate, all our guns are loaded; and if it is them, all the better.
gpt
That's Jim! Reuben exclaimed.
human
I should know his call among a thousand. He must have made off to get help at once, but I don't know how he can have done it in time.
gpt
Why, it's the Watsons and my men!
human
All safe?
gpt
All safe, thank God, Reuben replied.
human
Did Jim bring you news that we were attacked?
gpt
Yes; fortunately we were sitting up late, talking, when he rode up; so there was not a minute lost.
human
Rode up! Reuben repeated, in surprise;
gpt
Rode master's horse,
human
What! Reuben exclaimed in delight,