If there's anybody with you, let him keep back- if he shows himself he'll be shot. Come along, now. Come slow; push the door open, yourself- just enough to squeeze in, d' you hear?"
? ? ? ? I didn't hurry, I couldn't if I'd a wanted to. I took one slow step at a time, and there warn't a sound, only I thought I could hear my heart. The dogs were as still as the humans, but they followed a little behind me. When I got to the three log door-steps, I heard them unlocking and unbarring and unbolting. I put my hand on the door and pushed it a little and a little more, till somebody said, "There, that's enough- put your head in." I done it, but I judged they would take it off.
? ? ? ? The candle was on the floor, and there they all was, looking at me, and me at them, for about a quarter of a minute. Three big men with guns pointed at me, which made me wince, I tell you; the oldest, gray and about sixty, the other two thirty or more- all of them fine and handsome- and the sweetest old gray-headed lady, and back of her two young women which I couldn't see right well. The old gentleman says:
? ? ? ? "There- I reckon it's all right.
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