I am here to keep my father's house safe, and keep it I will against an army of you!" You may imagine what a passion I was in when I vapored and blustered in that way.

I heard Jerry laugh and Shifty Dick swear a whole mouthful of oaths.

Then there was a dead silence for a minute or two, and then the two ruffians attacked the door.
I rushed into the kitchen and seized the poker, and then heaped wood on the fire, and lighted all the candles I could find; for I felt as though I could keep up my courage better if I had plenty of light.

Strange and improbable as it may appear, the next thing that attracted my attention was my poor pussy, crouched up, panic-stricken, in a corner.

I was so fond of the little creature that I took her up in my arms and carried her into my bedroom and put her inside my bed.