The suspicion appeared more reasonable from the fact that, the leader once “removed,” there would remain but the single exception to those guaranteed honorable treatment.  Surrender, therefore, would be more probable.

No single shot could do so much to aid the rustlers as that which came near being made.

“This strained situation can’t last much longer; I believe it will be settled before the rise of to-morrow’s sun.”

Monteith Sterry secured more than one chance of a few words with Jennie.  The sense of danger naturally draws persons closer together, though the incentive was hardly needed in their case.

“Monteith,” said she, as they sat apart by themselves, with the shadow of the coming night gradually closing around, “what is to be the end of all this?”

“I will tell you what I think,” he replied, and thereupon read in a guarded voice the letter received from Duke Vesey, after which they burned it, that it might not fall into hands that could injure the sender.

“You can see that we are going to be favoured with a very dark night, and Vesey is so anxious to befriend me that I am sure he will find the way, though Hawkridge and the captain are less confident.”

“But suppose they recognize you?”

“They can’t do that in the darkness, and my rustling friend will not draw me into a peril that is greater than that of staying here.”

“I feel as do Mr. Hawkridge and Capt.  Asbury,” she said, unable to share his ardour.

“Then do you wish me to stay here?”

“I think it is safer.”

“And go up in flame and smoke?”

“Won’t you be willing to share the risk with me?” she asked, entering into his half-jocose vein.

“But the rustlers will save you that risk; they will give you a good point of observation, from which you can have a fine view of the scene.”

“Suppose mother and I refuse to leave?”

“I am certain you will not do that,” said Sterry, gravely, “for you will be in great danger under any circumstances.”

“But if we remain they may not try to fire the house.”

He shook his head.

“Dismiss all idea of that; do not fancy, because hours have passed without the exchange of a shot, that there is any friendship between the parties.  By and by a gun will be fired; somebody will be hurt, and then they will be at it like so many tigers.  No, Jennie,” he added, “when the warning comes for you and your mother to withdraw you must do so, not only for your own sake, but for ours.”

“And how yours?”

“We—­that is, the men—­can fight much better when your presence causes them no anxiety.”

“But, tell me, do not Capt.  Asbury and the rest feel hopeful of beating off the rustlers?”

“Of course they will make a brave fight, and there is a chance of their success, but I shudder when I think of what the cost will be to both sides.  How much better if all this can be averted.”