"I did think I should if I got a good chance." "Humph!" said the woman, "I see we must understand one another.

Unless you promise this, back you go into the dark closet, and I shall keep you there." Ida shuddered at this fearful threat--terrible to a child of but eight years.
"Do you promise ?" "Yes," said Ida, faintly.
"For fear you might be tempted to break your promise, I have something to show you." Mrs.Hardwick went to the closet, and took down a large pistol.
"There," she said, "do you see that ?" "Yes, Aunt Peg." "Do you know what it is for ?" "To shoot people with," answered the child.
"Yes," said the nurse; "I see you understand.

Well, now, do you know what I would do if you should tell anybody where you came from, or attempt to run away?
Can you guess, now ?" "Would you shoot me ?" asked Ida, terror-stricken.
"Yes, I would," said Peg, with fierce emphasis.

"That's just what I'd do.

And what's more even if you got away, and got back to your family in New York, I would follow you, and shoot you dead in the street." "You wouldn't be so wicked!" exclaimed Ida.
"Wouldn't I, though ?" repeated Peg, significantly.