When he had finished, he did not wait for an
answer, but turned and led the way swiftly toward the range houses.
"What did he say?" asked the girl.
"That he is glad we are back. He heard the shots and came to meet us."
"And what else?" she persisted.
"Old Sokwenna is superstitious--and nervous. He said some things that
you wouldn't understand. You would probably think him mad if he told you
the spirits of his comrades slain in the kloof many years ago were here
with him tonight, warning him of things about to happen. Anyway, he has
been cautious. No sooner were we out of sight than he hustled every
woman and child in the village on their way to the mountains. Keok and
Nawadlook wouldn't go. I'm glad of that, for if they were pursued and
overtaken by men like Graham and Rossland--"
"Death would be better," finished Mary Standish, and her hand clung more
tightly to his arm.
"Yes, I think so. But that can not happen now. Out in the open they had
us at a disadvantage. But we can hold Sokwenna's place until Stampede
and the herdsmen come. With two good rifles inside, they won't dare to
assault the cabin with their naked hands. The advantage is all ours now;
we can shoot, but they won't risk the use of their rifles."
"Why?"
"Because you will be inside. Graham wants you alive, not dead.
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