part in the wars against us.
You know that as well as I."

"How about Omas?"

"He makes no pretence of Christianity."

"And therefore has no claim on our indulgence."

"No one has said he has," observed Ben, coming to his mother's help; "he
will never ask quarter from you or any white man."

"Where is he now? He brought you over the river, but seems to have
deserted you."

"He left because he didn't think we had further need of his aid; we can
get along without him."

"Now, see here," added Zitner, straightening up on the log and slapping
his knee; "I'll tell you what I've made up my mind to do. I am
willing to give in to Mrs. Ripley that far, that I won't harm that
youngster--that is, I will leave it to her father whether I shall or
shan't."

Neither mother nor son could understand the meaning of this strange
remark. They waited for the man to explain.

"I'm going to take her with us as a hostage. We're not clear of the
varmints yet. I believe Omas himself ain't far off, and the rest will
be on our heels all the way to Stroudsburg. If they get us in a tight
place, I'll let 'em know we've got the gal of Omas with us, and if they
harm a hair of our heads it'll be all up with her. We'll take her clean
to Stroudsburg, and then turn her loose, for we won't have any further
need of her; but she must go with us."

"Jabez Zitner," said Ben Ripley--"the moment you lay your hand on that
child I will shoot you!"

CHAPTER EIGHT: LINNA'S WOODCRAFT

No one could have looked into the face of Ben Ripley without seeing he
meant just what he said.

Jabez Zitner supposed, when he made known that he intended to take the
little Delaware girl with him as a hostage, that though it might be
displeasing to the Ripleys, they would not dare object; but he was
mistaken.

The lad was sitting furthest away on the fallen tree, with his rifle
resting across his knees, when he warned the man that if he laid a hand
on Linna he would shoot him.

Ben spoke low, but mingling with his words were two faint clicking
sounds. They were made by the hammer of his rifle, as with his thumb
he drew it back ready for use. His face was slightly pale, but his eyes
glittered, and he rose to his feet and looked at the startled man.

Mrs. Ripley gave a gasp of fright and clasped her hands, while the
children mutely stared.

Even Zitner was silent. He knew Ben's pluck, but did not believe it
would take him thus far, for it looked as if there we