Why! I was going to fight the Indians with Buffalo Bill, on purpose to get rid of the girls." Sally looked at me curiously; her outstretched arm settled a little until the revolver pointed at my knee instead of my heart.
"P'raps you've been disappointed in love ?" she queried.
"Not that entirely," I answered, honestly.
"P'raps you've run away from a breach of promise ?" "Oh, no! no, indeed!" "What on airth do you want to get rid o' the girls fur, then ?" "Miss Spitfire," said I, scraping the gravel with the toe of my boot, "I'm afraid of them.

I'm bashful." "BASHFUL!" Miss Spitfire cried, and then she began to laugh.
She laughed and laughed until I believed and hoped she would laugh herself into pieces.

The idea struck this creature in so ludicrous a light that she nearly went into convulsions.

_She_, alas, had never been troubled by such a weakness.

I watched my opportunity, when she was doubled up with mirth, to snatch the revolver from her hand.
The tables were now turned, but not for long.