mbled in the supper-room, in which a handsome repast was
spread. Here they were joined by the gentlemen, who, having worked
hard, had good appetites. No one would have supposed as they were
seated round the table that they were apprehensive of the danger
threatening them.

"It seems very ridiculous to be taking all this trouble and expending
our strength on account of a vague report of which really nobody seems
to know the origin," observed Lieutenant Belt to Ellen. "The major of
course thinks there is something in it; but, for my part, I believe we
shall find that we have all been frightened out of our wits for
nothing."

"I wish that I could agree with you," answered Ellen. "There have been
terrible outbreaks before in this island, and rumours have been for some
time going about that the slaves are in a discontented state."

"I had expected, from the way our friends galloped after us this
afternoon, that a body of savage rebels were at their heels," said the
lieutenant, "and I confess that when we reached the house I fancied that
we should have had to stand to our arms, and defend ourselves as best we
could. I was very glad to see our hostess and Mr Ferris and the rest
of the party arrive safely, and was somewhat surprised when no enemy
followed them. We shall find, I suspect, that the foe did not come
because no foe is in existence."

Ellen, however, could not agree with the young lieutenant.

Miss Pemberton's anxieties had been somewhat quieted. Mr Twigg assured
her that he had sent a messenger to warn her father, who would of course
make preparations to defend his house; she might soon therefore expect
an answer saying that they were all safe. The party at length became
more cheerful, and Mr Ferris expressed his belief that they might all
go to sleep without fear of becoming dead men before the morning.

"Belt and I ought to be on our road at an early hour," remarked Major
Malcolm; "but I wish before we go to see your fortifications in a
forward state, and I shall then feel it my duty to ride round to Walton
to render Mr Pemberton any assistance he may require."

Fanny was on the point of asking him to escort her, but a very natural
feeling made her hesitate, and she resolved to remain with her friends.
The conversation had become more lively than at first, and jokes and
laughter were even being indulged in, when the sound of horses' hoofs
was heard coming along the road from the east at a rapid rate