But the ole man was too quick for him.

With a bound like a painter, he sprang across the floor, an', grabbin' the villain by the throat, lifted him from his feet, and throwed him down into the cellar, an' in an instant shut the door, an' fastened it with a heavy bar of wood.

Then, takin' down his rifle, he said to us, a'most in a whisper, "'"Now run! run for your lives! We must cross the prairy an' get into the woods afore the rascals cut their way out.

Run! quick!" "'My mother took my sisters by the hand an' led them out, an' me an' my brother followed her.

Father closed both the windows an' the door, an' fastened them on the outside.