In place of following the Swede's example Philip ran to Celie.
Half way a bullet almost got him, flipping the collar of his
shirt. He dropped beside her and gathered her up completely in his
arms, with his own body between her and the fire. A moment later
he thanked God for the protection of the bunk. He heard the
ripping of a bullet through the saplings and caught distinctly the
thud of it as the spent lead dropped to the floor. Celie's head
was close on his breast, her eyes were on his face, her soft lips
so near he could feel their breath. He kissed her, unbelieving
even then that the end was near for her. It was monstrous--
impossible. Lead was finding its way into the cabin like
raindrops. He heard the Swede's voice again, crying thickly from
the floor:
"Hug below the lower log. You've got eight inches. If you rise
above that they'll get you." He repeated the warning to Armin.
As if to emphasize his words there came a howl of agony from
another of the dogs.
Still closer Philip held the girl to him.
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