bent to save her life that night, rather than take it," said Rody.

"I know this friend of yours, Rody, but a short time," observed Nell;
"but if he hasn't more spunk in him than yourself, he's not worth his
feedin'."

"Show me," said the miscreant, "what s to be done, life or purse--an'
here's your sort for both."

"Come, then," said Nell, "by the night above us, we'll thry your
mettle."

"Never heed her," observed Nanse; "aunt, you're too wicked an'
revengeful."

"Am I?" said the aunt. "I tuck an oath many a year ago, that I'd never
die till I'd put sharp sorrow into Lamh Laudher's sowl. I punished him
through his daughter, I'll now grind the heart in him through his son."

"An' what do you want to be done inquired the red man.

"Come here, an' I'll tell you that," said Nell.

A short conversation took place between them, behind a little partition
which divided the kitchen from two small sleeping rooms, containing a
single bed each.

"Now," said Nell, addressing the whole party, "let us all be ready
to-morrow, while the whole town's preparin' for the fight, to slip away
as well disguised as we can, out of the place; by that time you'll have