This was alarming news.

Ben Ripley imitated the action of Linna.
Kneeling down, he pressed his ear to the earth.
Yes; he heard faint footfalls.

Persons were moving about not far away.
"She is right," he said in a low tone; "likely they are Indians, though we cannot be certain." "It won't do to wait till they come to us," remarked his mother.
"Shall I put out the fire ?" asked Ben, disconcerted by the suddenness of the danger.
"No; we can't spare the time.

Let us leave.

Come, children." She took the hand of each girl and walked quickly off, while Ben caught up the blankets and followed.