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Altsheler, Joseph A. (Joseph Alexander), 1862-1919

"A Story of Lee's Great Stand"

Now don't you make one mistake. Don't you come back with any
weapon in your hand in place of food, and don't you fire on me from the
house with the family rifle. You're young and you're good looking, and,
doubtless the widow of our friend here with the upraised hands, wouldn't
have to wait long for another husband just as good as he is."
The woman paled a little, and Harry knew that some thought of the family
rifle had been in her mind. The husband's glare became ferocious.
"You can take your hands down," said Harry. "I've no wish to torture you,
and I'm satisfied now that you're not armed."
The man dropped his arms and the woman hurried to the kitchen. Harry did
not watch her, but kept his eyes continually upon the man, who he knew
would take advantage of his first careless moment, and spring for him
like a tiger. A pistol that he couldn't fire wouldn't be of much use to
him then.
But the woman returned with a big tin cup of smoking coffee and a plate
piled high with bread and bacon and beefsteak. It was a welcome sight.
The aspect of the whole world became brighter at once, and the pulse of
hope beat high. But happiness did not make him relax caution.
"Stand back about ten feet more," he said to the man, "I don't like your
looks.


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