Fortunately both Gravity Gimp and Mr. Brainerd knew the construction of their refuge, and instant precautions were taken.  
"Keep back as far as you can," said the elder, "and stay close to the wall on the right."
 
His order was obeyed, Habakkuk McEwen and the African both moving in that direction.
 
"You come too, papa," insisted Eva, hold of the arm of her father, who smilingly took a step or two.
 
"Yes," added Maggie, "if we all place ourselves beyond reach, why should not you do the same?"
 
He explained the situation.
 
"If the Indians get to that mass of rocks opposite, they can shelter themselves and shoot into the until there is not one of us left."
 
"But is it necessary for you to stay out there, and draw their fire to keep them away from us?"
 
"Not exactly, but we must see that they do not creep to the spot; before doing so, they must pass under our aim, and it will require no great marksmanship to prevent them."
 
Thereupon, directing Gravity and Habakkuk to keep strict watch upon the place, with their rifles cocked, Mr. Brainerd reloaded his gun, and shifting his position so as to screen himself from the bullets that were certain to be sent into the place, he sat like a cat watching for a rat to come out of its hole.
 
The talked in low tones, for there was something in the that was impressive.
 
Now that they were removed from danger, they could breathe with some satisfaction, though sobered by their .
 
"It's all that Jake Golcher's doings," said Aunt Peggy, who was at the extreme rear of the cavern, with one arm around the neck of Eva and the other inclosing that of Maggie.
 
"I shouldn't wonder if you are right," replied Maggie; "he must be a wicked man indeed."
 
"Umph!" exclaimed the , with a , "there ain't a more scand'lous that ever drawed the breath of life, and I know what I'm saying, and jus' to think, you had a chance and didn't shoot him."
 
"But, aunty—"
 
"Shet up, don't interrupt me," broke in the relative, with a vigorous shake of the arm inclosing the neck of Maggie.
 
"How many times have I told you not to interrupt me when I am talking? Don't you know what's good manners?"
 
"But, aunty," said Maggie, softly, "I don't see how I can talk at any time without interrupting you."
 
Eva , but fortunately Aunt Peggy did not catch the full meaning of the remark, and she said, rather sharply:
 
............