Mitsha stood with apparent composure, but her eyes sparkled and the expression of her face denoted the utmost determination.

Besides she was fully as tall as most of her opponents, and the weapon she was holding in readiness looked quite formidable.

But the superior number of her assailants exercised a certain pressure on these assailants themselves, and the Indian under such circumstances has no thought of chivalrous feeling.

A dozen boys stood before the solitary maiden on the roof, and they were not to be intimidated by her.

For an instant only neither said a word; then a threatening murmur arose.