people didn't spare our women and children."

"They are savages, but you and I claim to be civilized."

"That's all well enough, but my motto is--fight fire with fire."
Burwink was listening to this sharp interchange of words, the
meaning of which he caught. Wishing to make a friend of him, for
Ben foresaw trouble, he asked--"Am I not right, Mr. Burwink?"

"I should say--on general principles you are; but, after yesterday,
I don't feel much love for any of the varmints. Who is this Injin
gal that you are talking about?"

Ben was too wise to give the name of Linna's father, knowing he
would be instantly recognized as one of the fiercest warriors that
had taken part in the invasion and battle. He therefore replied--

"She is a girl named Linna; she is of the same age as our Alice, and
was visiting her when we crossed the river to Forty Fort yesterday
morning. We could do nothing but take her with us, and I will defend
her with my life."

"You are talking big," remarked Zitner, with a scornful look at
the sturdy lad. "Who is the gal's father?"

"That makes no difference; but I will say he belongs to the Delaware
tribe, most of whom are friends to our people."

"There were plenty of them with the Senecas and Oneidas yesterday,
and they fought like wild cats, too. But why don't you bring your