Richard was whittling kindling-wood, with nervous speed, beside him.

Eugene and Abner were cleaning their guns.

They all looked at the eager old man except Richard and Louis and Madelon.
"Burr Gordon has killed Lot so's to get his property," proclaimed the old man, and his voice broke with eager delight and importance.
Madelon gave a cry and sprang forward in front of him.

"It's a lie!" she shouted.
The old man laughed in her face.

"No, 'tain't, Madelon.