human
What did you fire that pistol for? What signal are you giving?
gpt
That is understood at the flatboat, said Maggie, tranquilly.
human
I was to fire if you left the house. You started, I fired, and that's all.
gpt
I haven't a doubt. You were simply going to attack and rob the flatboat.
human
You talk that way to me! Do you forget that you're in my power?
gpt
Ah! Do you think so? cried Maggie, resting her fists on her hips.
human
Ah, ha, ha! That was the first time I ever heard her laugh--and such a laugh!
gpt
Don't you know, my dear sir, that at one turn of my hand this dog will strangle you like a chicken? Don't you see four of us here armed to the teeth, and at another signal our comrades yonder ready to join us in an instant? And besides, this minute they are rolling a little cannon up to the bow of the boat. Go, meddle with them, you'll see.
human
And that's the way you pay us for taking you in, is it? Accuse a man of crime because he steps out of his own house to look at the weather? Well, that's all right.