The women, it seemed had got pistols, and both swore they would blow out their brains if any man laid a hand on them.

However, the bush rangers did not touch them, though they told them they would have to go off with them.
"They made Donald sit down at one end of the table, while their captain took the other; and the two women, half dressed as they were, waited on them.

It was lucky for them that we were so close when the alarm was given, for all made a rush to get to their horses; only the captain stopping a moment, to let fly at Donald." "Did he kill him ?" Reuben asked.
"No, sir, the bullet hit him in the body, and the ladies were crying over him when I went in, thinking he was dead.

I thought so, too, but I found he was breathing.

They poured some brandy down his throat, and presently he opened his eyes; then, as there was nothing for me to do, I thought I had best gallop on and give you the news, for I knew that you would be anxious to know what had taken place." "Thank you, Jones, you did quite right.