He clenched his powerful fist, and declared that he would resist unto death, before he would be arrested by those savage men, even if they promised not to flog him.

They closed the door, and agreed not to open it; and then the leader cried, "Extinguish the lights and let them come! we will meet them hand to hand!" Five of the number he stationed near the door, with orders to rush out, if the patrol entered, and seize their horses, cut the bridles, or otherwise unfit them for use.

This would prevent them from giving an alarm and getting a reinforcement from surrounding plantations.

In silence they awaited the approach of the enemy, and soon the tramping of horses' feet announced their approach, but when within a few yards of the house they halted, and were overheard by one of the skulking slaves, maturing their plans and mode of attack.

There was great hesitancy expressed by a part of the company to engage in the affair at all.
"Coming events cast their shadow before." The majority, however, seemed to think it safe enough, and uttered expressions of triumph that they had got the rascals at last.
"Are you not afraid that they will resist ?" said the weaker party.
"Resist ?" was the astonished answer.