"
"I did that, sir, and did it, I thought, to the very mark. I calculated
to leave enough solid to bear them to the night, when in our circuit we
should come among them just in time to finish the business. The wood is
stronger, perhaps, than I took it to be, but it won't hold out longer
than to-morrow, I'm certain, when, if we watch, we can take our way with
them."
"Well, I hope so, and we must watch them, for it won't do to let the old
fellow escape. He has, I know, a matter of three or four hundred hard
dollars in his possession, to buy lands in Mississippi, and it's a pity
to let so much good money go out of the state."
"But why may we not set upon them now?" inquired one of the youngest of
the party.
"For a very good reason, Briggs--they are armed, ready, and nearly equal
in number to ourselves; and though I doubt not we should be able to ride
over them, yet I am not willing to leave one or more of us behind.
Besides, if we keep the look-out to-morrow, as we shall, we can settle
the business without any such risk.
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