"But might he not fall out and drown ?" "Tie him in the bucket," said Jim.
"No, no, no," cried Nell.
"But Nellie, we must decide upon a hiding place, and in a hurry." "I'll save Benny." "You?
Will you stay here to face those men?
Jim Girty and Deering are searching the cabins.

Could you bear it to see them?
You couldn't." "Oh! No, I believe it would kill me! That man! that beast! will he come here ?" Nell grew ghastly pale, and looked as if about to faint.
She shrunk in horror at the thought of again facing Girty.

"For God's sake, Heckewelder, don't let him see me! Don't let him come in! Don't!" Even as the imploring voice ceased a heavy thump sounded on the door.
"Who's there ?" demanded Heckewelder.
Thump! Thump! The heavy blows shook the cabin.

The pans rattled on the shelves.

No answer came from without.
"Quick! Hide Benny! It's as much as our lives are worth to have him found here," cried Heckewelder in a fierce whisper, as he darted toward the door.
"All right, all right, in a moment," he called out, fumbling over the bar.
He opened the door a moment later and when Jim Girty and Deering entered he turned to his friends with a dread uncertainty in his haggard face.
Edwards lay on the bed with wide-open eyes staring at the intruders.
Mr.Wells sat with bowed head.