and if they had taken his advice, they would not have gone out to
Northfield. There was no means of getting away, for the roads were bad and
the woods filled with lakes and sloughs. It would have been better for the
band to have gone across the prairie from Mankato, for then they would
have had some $30 each.
He was asked if he had tried to shoot any one, when he pointed out the
fact that seven of the men were almost within hand’s-reach of them, and
asked what good would it have done him if all the seven were killed. There
were men enough at long range with rifles to shoot him and his party down
at their leisure.
While Bob Younger was conversing with the writer, a poor woman came into
the room, sobbing, “Don’t you know me?” she said, addressing Bob.
“No, madame, I have not that pleasure,” said Bob.
“Don’t you know me?” reiterated the woman between her sobs.
“Indeed, I cannot recollect you, madame,” replied Bob, gently.
“Don’t you remember the woman who gave you bread and butter?” she asked.
“Oh yes, certainly; and most thankful were we for it,” he replied.
“Oh, forgive me, sir,” she sobbed, “indeed, I did not intend to do it.”
“I have nothing to forgive,” said Bob; “you were very kind to us and we
shall not forget it.”
“But forgive me, sir,” she persisted, “I did not mean to betray you.”
“Why, really, madam, we never supposed you did. We did not blame you at
all. We are only very grateful for what you did for us.”
“But, sir. it was because you were at our house you were caught; but it”