"Get out quick," Ben hissed. "They may come back any minute. And remember what Bill said. Get to the arroyo and wait there. Take the Winchester."
"What about you and Ben?" I asked.
"Never you mind about us," Mr. Hawes said. "They won't be so imprudent as to harm us—not with you free and loose. Where would that get them? Before you go, reach into my vest pocket and get the penknife in there.”
At that moment, we heard the Kimble brothers outside. They didn't seem to be returning to the barn. Nevertheless, I hastily jerked the penknife out of Mr. Hawes's pocket, opened it, and put it in his still-bound hands.
"Now hurry and get to the arroyo," he said, his voice muted but adamant.
"And, Billy," said Ben as I turned to leave. "Don't you be fearful of usin' that rifle on them Kimble boys,
