In any case, they felt that a crisis was approaching.
Both trembled, as they thought how soon they might be face to face with the hideous creature--confronting it, or perhaps enfolded in its long hairy arms.

And in such an embrace, how would it fare with them?
What chance of escape from it?
None! They would be crushed, helpless as flies in the grasp of a gigantic spider.

If the creature should come that way, and resolve upon assailing them, one or other, or both of them, would surely be destroyed.
If only one, Henry had fully made up his mind who it should be.

The brave boy had determined to sacrifice his own life, if need be, to save his sister.

Firmly grasping the great musket, he said:-- "Sister Nell, if it come this way and offer to attack us, you keep out of the scrape.