So
I ducked inside and grabbed the gun, but they thought I was so scared I
was trying to hide; so they went around kicking things over a good deal,
and swearing like everything, but I didn't care, for there wasn't much
outside the tent anyhow, except the cooking things and some mouldy bread
that they were welcome to if they wanted it. When they saw how it was,
one of them came up towards me, and called to the rest to come on,
they'd have to explore the tent to find what they wanted.
I let him come to about two feet of the opening, then I stuck my gun in
his face real quick, and yelled "Halt!" as loud as I could, and he
halted.
I told him then he'd better get back, for this might go off, and he
ripped out a big swear word, and told me to stop fooling with that gun
or somebody'd get shot; and I said I was afraid they would! He kept
backing all the time, and saying, "Oh, put it down, put it down, sonny!"
but I kinder thought I wouldn't. Then they all stood off, and threw
stones at me, and said they'd set fire to the tent, and for me to come
out like a man, and they wouldn't hurt me; but I thought as I was just a
boy I'd stay where I was. But I told 'em I'd shoot the first man that
came near the tent, and their stones didn't amount to much anyhow, for
they didn't reach me.
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