human
Ah--ah! said she softly but with flash of white teeth.
gpt
Will ye cower then, you beater of women? Down to your knees--down and sue pardon of me!
human
Shoot, wanton! said I.
gpt
Shoot, lest I beat you again for the vile, shameless thing you are.
human
Will ye die then? Yes? Will ye die?
gpt
Aye, I nodded,
human
So I may be quit of you.
gpt
Hath dying then no fears for you--no?
human
Liar! said she.
gpt
Wipe the craven sweat from you! You beat me, and for this you should die, but though you fear death you shall live to fear me more--aye, you shall live awhile--take your life!
human
When I wish to kill and be done with you, my steel shall take you in your sleep, or you shall die by poison; there be many roots and berries hereabout, Indian poisons I wot of. So your life is mine to take whensoever I will.
gpt
How if I kill you first?
human
Ah, bah! said she, snapping her fingers.
gpt
Try an you will--but I know men and you are not the killing sort. I've faced death too oft to fear it, or the likes of you. There lie your pistols, fool; take 'em and shoot me if you will!
human
And now, said I, rising,
gpt
Child? says she, staring as one vastly amazed,
human
So now will I whip you, quoth I,