The lad was sitting furthest away on the fallen tree, with his
rifle resting across his knees, when he warned the man that if he
laid a hand on Linna he would shoot him.
Ben spoke low, but mingling with his words were two faint clicking
sounds. They were made by the hammer of his rifle, as with his
thumb he drew it back ready for use. His face was slightly pale,
but his eyes glittered, and he rose to his feet and looked at the
startled man.
Mrs. Ripley gave a gasp of fright and clasped her hands, while the
children mutely stared.
Even Zitner was silent. He knew Ben's pluck, but did not believe it
would take him thus far, for it looked as if there were two adults
against a single boy.
Burwink however, was more of a man than his companion. He looked
smilingly at Ben and said--"Jabez, I reckon this has gone far
enough."
"What do you mean?'" angrily asked the other.
"You must leave the little gal alone."
"Oh, thank you! thank you!" exclaimed Mrs. Ripley. "I might have
known you would see that right is done."
Zitner had a few sharp words with his friend, but the latter was
immovable. He would not listen to his proposition, and that ended
the matter.
"Well," finally said Zitner, rising to his feet, "I intended to
see you folks safe to the Delaware; but I won't have anything to
do with you now.
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