The men ripped around awhile, and then rode away. As soon as they was out of sight I sung out to Buck and told him. He didnât know what to make of my voice coming out of the tree at first. He was awful surprised. He told me to watch out sharp and let him know when the men come in sight again; said they was up to some devilment or otherâ âwouldnât be gone long. I wished I was out of that tree, but I dasnât come down. Buck begun to cry and rip, and âlowed that him and his cousin Joe (that was the other young chap) would make up for this day yet. He said his father and his two brothers was killed, and two or three of the enemy. Said the Shepherdsons laid for them in ambush. Buck said his father and brothers ought to waited for their relationsâ âthe Shepherdsons was too strong for them. I asked him what was become of young Harney and Miss Sophia. He said theyâd got across the river and was safe. I was glad of that; but the way Buck did take on because he didnât manage to kill Harney that day he shot at himâ âI hainât ever heard anything like it.
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