Part 5 (1/2)
The outlaws hesitated, and even the natives seeic line was drawn, at which some of them would be certain to lose their lives, they could not tell Soldiers in battle will dare any danger, but villains engaged in a criminal act are always cowards, unless driven to desperation Such was not the case at present A white handkerchief was shown on a stick, and a voice cried out--
”We don't want to hurt you, Mr Gilpin, or your brother, or ive theo away”
”I ask you, would you give up people who had put confidence in you?”
said Jaive up the men, or ill burn down the hut and you in it,” was the answer
”Reiven you,” said James; ”however, ill just talk the matter over, and let you knoe decide”
”Be sharp about it, then,” said the first speaker; ”we did not come here to shi+lly-shally, and we shall advance directly the tiive you five minutes to settle the matter”
”We must take ten; and recollect that our rifles will be kept ready for use,” added James, firmly
”I am afraid the felloill put their threat into execution,” said Craven ”Now, you see, our lives are of no use to any one, and so, when the ten o with them, if they will take their departure quietly, and not injure you”
”On no account would we do so!” exclaimed the brothers in the same breath ”I would not trust theive you up”
”Noa, sur; I'd sooner cut out ive ye up to the his fist, and shaking it in the direction he supposed that the outlaere collected
The minutes passed slowly by They were doubtful whether the outlaould begin the attack at the end of the five minutes, or wait till the termination of the ten The dread of the fatal line, however, seemed to keep the from the walls, and, as there were several pistols as well as rifles, they e of those who ca, probably, an easy victory
The ten minutes came to an end, and fully another five had passed by, and the outlaws did not advance It was very clear, therefore, that they had not intercepted Larry, nor were aware that he had gone for the police How long it ht be before they could arrive it was impossible to say; perhaps when Larry reached their quarters the larger number had been sent in an opposite direction, and considerable ti as arrison did not despair of beating off the enemy, they earnestly desired to avoid the bloodshed which an
Jaive the fatal order, should the outlaws overstep the prescribed boundary
”Well, what are you going to do?” shouted one of the ive up those fellows?”
”Who is it you are looking for?” asked Jalad of anySaot them”
”I know no ht enough, though I have the honour of being designated as `Gentleman Jiht names of the chaps?” asked one of the outlaws of a comrade
”I never knowed 'em by any other,” was the answer
”Come, come, master, you hand theether
”Supposing they ith us, and that ere to deliver them into your hands, ould you do with the them up on the nearest tree, as ill you also, if you don't come to terms pretty quickly!” shouted the first ruffian who had spoken
”I won't help you to be guilty of so great a crio away”
”No e, lads!”
The whole body sprang forward towards the hut The whites instantly began firing their -pieces, the blacks at the sa their spears
”Hurra! Here come the police! Look out for yourselves!” cried Sa watch at a hole near the roof, looking eastward