Henry C. Rowland

“ The kids also had raised their baby faces to look, and, as Dallas spoke, one of the little creatures hopped upon its stumpy feet and came bounding toward him, first to butt playfully at his knee and then to sniff at his fingers with a soft, expectant little nose. The mother followed more slowly and sedately and with no trace of fear.
"If the people receive us as kindly as their animals," said Dallas, "we shall be in luck."
Thalia, who had been closely scrutinizing the cabin, turned to him a face which showed great relief. ”

“ Thalia's face softened. She stooped and patted Dallas' shoulder as he lay half sprawled on one hip, his rifle under him.
"You are a dear," said she. "But my plan is not so difficult. We can slip past those men in the beech woods on the other side of this mountain. And you still have four shots. The others can hold out. Oh, look! Look down there, Dallas!"
The herders were advancing in a body toward the hut. When they were within fifty yards of the door, Sir James stepped out, rifle in hand, and waved them back. ”

“ You are wounded and soaking wet, and must have shelter. Besides, hospitality is a very sacred thing all through these mountains—all over the Balkans, in fact. Perhaps I can talk to the people and make them understand that it would be to their profit to treat us well. Can you walk a little distance?"
"Oh, yes; I'm all right now. You are right, Thalia; we've got to have shelter."
Pushing their way through the bushes, they came presently upon a little footpath which wound up through a pine grove to come out a short distance beyond upon a small plateau covered with splendid oaks. ”

“ But he cast his eyes in the direction of the wild country which intervened and shook his head doubtfully.
"Do you think that we could do it?" he asked.
"We have got to!"
"But first we must get past these people; then we would not dare to take the road, but would have to go cross country, and we have no food nor shelter—not even a blanket. Where could you sleep?"
"On the ground. We can build a fire. What else is there to do?"
"Give ourselves up," said Dallas, "if it is only the question of a ransom."
Thalia's mouth grew scornful. ”

“ When he opened his eyes again, he saw that his clothes were drying in front of the fire, while Thalia stood beside him with a smile on her red lips and a bowl in her hand.
"I have been milking the goats. Come, Dallas, drink this. We were fortunate to find this place. There is corn meal and cheese and olives and some dried plums, and I have found a little cave outside stored full of beet roots and turnips and cabbages. Besides, there are some chickens shut up in a coop between the cabin and the cliffs. We shall not starve." ”

“ Thalia crossed the room and walked to the side of the platform.
"I mean it. Do you think I'm going to pig everything, just because I've got a couple of buckshot under my pelt? I shall camp in front of the fire." Forgetting his wounded arm, Dallas shoved himself upright, then sat swaying giddily from the pain caused by the effort.
"Dallas! Don't! Can't you be good? Lie down! Oh, please, please, please! If you only knew how worried I am about you!" Thalia's rich voice broke. ”

“ That is a feast for an Albanian. You see, Mr. Dallas, you are of a different race and one accustomed to luxury, whereas I am a Shkipetari hill girl, and able to live royally where you would starve. To-night you can have only warm milk, because you are an invalid and there is danger of fever from your wounds. But to-morrow, if you are doing nicely, you shall have some eggs and other delicacies, and be as carefully fed and cared for as if you were—James. There is not a great deal to do with, but I shall do my best, Mr. Dallas."
"Stop calling me Mr. Dallas!"
Thalia did not answer. ”

“ Besides, here's the rifle."
"Give that to me."
"Look here, Thalia, you leave that rifle alone. I'm a good deal of a duffer, I know, but I haven't reached the stage where I must have my gun carried up cliffs and across rivers for me by a girl."
"You are a little new to climbing," said Thalia, "and you may not be much of a swimmer; but you can shoot!" She rose to her feet. "Wait here; I want to see how deep it is."
Dallas waited, closely watching the opposite bank. A moment later, Thalia returned. ”

“ He began to struggle with his coat. Thalia went to his aid.
"I can manage," muttered Dallas.
"Nonsense! You are a wounded man, and I am your nurse."
"But——"
"Don't talk. Keep the blanket over you. Now let us get off this wet shirt. Now let me see your arm. What a wicked-looking little hole! The bullet is in there. Shouldn't it come out?"
"I don't see how we're going to manage it. Let it stay." Dallas sank back and pulled the blanket over him.
Thalia was tearing some cloth into strips. Hearing the ripping noise, Dallas turned his head and looked at her. ”

“ Down the rocky slope they plunged as fast as safety would permit, then presently the forest closed in about them: splendid beeches and oaks, with here and there scattering conifers, pines, and firs. There was very little underbrush, and their eyes were kept alert for any sign of the enemy. ”

“ See"—she pointed downward—"the swine-herd is talking to them, and they are looking up here."
"They will be hunting us directly," growled Dallas, "and I've only four rounds left. What rotten luck, to have been up here just when that gang arrived! But if we had been down there, the chances are that Dimitri would have got away with the guns," he added thoughtfully.
"We are much better here than there," said Thalia. "Those other people are trapped; but they are two good fighting men, and have rifles and plenty of ammunition, and there is venison and water and wine and other food in the hut. ”

“ See there!" He waved his rifle toward the cabin. The wild-looking band of armed men had passed around the edge of the clearing and come in sight of the hut. Sir James had returned to Paula, and Connors, who had gathered up the rifles dropped by the Serb, was standing by the cabin door, apparently loading them. Suddenly Sir James turned and stared at the band, which was distant about a hundred yards; then, preceded by Paula, walked to the hut and entered.
"Ah!" muttered Dallas. "They see them. Wish we were down there. What do you think they are, Thalia? ”