They had halted just below the big tree, and four or five, half hidden by the huge trunk, were in consultation, well beyond rifle shot.

Assured by their attitude that the attack would not be made immediately, I ventured to turn my face slightly, and take final survey of the room behind.

Tim had stationed himself at the other side of the door, his eyes glued to a narrow opening, both hands gripped on his gun.

Eloise and the colored girl, the one dry-eyed and alert, the other prone on the floor crying, were where I had told them to go, into the darkest corner.

The boy I did not see, nor even remember; but Kirby stood on the bench, which enabled him to peer out through the loop-hole in the window shutter.