human
It is only eight o'clock now. I can be home before noon, and my man will do the next stage in a little over four hours. If he finds Ruskin in, he can get to my place by ten o'clock at night, and can start again at daybreak; so by eleven o'clock tomorrow he can be here. If he isn't here by that time, it will be because he was out when my man got there. At any rate, he is sure to start directly he gets the message.
gpt
That will be the best plan, Reuben agreed;
human
Oh, that's nothing, the settler said.
gpt
We don't think much of a seventy miles' ride, here.
human
And now, how are the ladies, Wilkins?
gpt
They are keeping up bravely, sir. I think, as far as they are concerned, Donald's being hit has done them good. It has given them something to do, and they have not had time to think about what they have gone through, and what a narrow escape they have had.
human
Which room are they in, Wilkins?
gpt
In there to the left, sir.
human
As you have seen them, Wilkins, you had better go in and tell them that we have sent off, at once, to fetch a surgeon; and that they may rely upon his being here some time tomorrow, we hope before noon. Ask if there is anything that we can do for them, or for Mr. Donald.
gpt
Perkins, do you, Jones, and Rider go in and fetch out the bodies of the men who have been killed. Don't make more noise than you can help about it. Carry them out to that shed there, and then get a bucket and wash down the floors, wherever there are bloodstains about. I want to have the place straight, so that those poor ladies may avoid seeing anything to recall the scene they have passed through. Of course, you won't go into the room where they are now.
human
Choose a place a bit away from the house, one of them said.
gpt
The farther, the better; it will remind them of this affair, whenever they see it.
human
It's a terrible business, the settler said to Reuben, as he turned to go into the house.
gpt
I feel downright afraid of facing them. To think how bright and pretty they looked, when I rode over here ten days ago; and now there they are, broken hearted.
human
How is Donald?