s have already been commenced," observed the major; "but I
would urge our friend here to follow your advice."

"I am glad to hear it," replied Mr Hayward. "From the way the rebels
made their attack on the fort, and the rapidity and order with which
they retreated, it is evident that they are no contemptible foes,
besides which, they have obtained a considerable store of arms. I will
remain to assist you, for my horses could not proceed a mile further;
and I should wish indeed, before I go on, to ascertain the state of the
country to the westward. I fear from the report Tom gave that the
slaves in the whole island are in a state of revolt."

"In that case our only wise course will be to barricade the house and
throw up such other fortifications as time will allow," said Major
Malcolm. "Mr Twigg, will you give the order to your people to bring in
sufficient planking to close up all doors and windows, and we will then
form a stockade round the house. Rouse up all the hands you can muster;
they must work during the night, by the light of lanterns or torches or
fires, if necessary. I will answer for your safety if the work is
completed in time."

The worthy planter showed that he was a man of spirit--he immediately
issued the necessary orders, and the overseer, now convinced that the
report of the insurrection was founded on truth, ably seconded him.
Coats were thrown aside, and the carpenter's tools in the house being
collected, each person took such as he could best use, and, as soon as
the wood was brought in, began sawing and nailing away with might and
main. Others went on with the _chevaux-de-frise_, while a third party
dug a trench and began erecting a palisade between it and the house.
Major Malcolm and Lieutenant Belt were everywhere, showing the people
how to put up the palisade and lending a hand to the work. Archie
Sandys was especially active; the planter and Mr Ferris laboured away
with hammer and nails in barricading the windows; while the three
troopers who had accompanied the officers, having cast a sufficient
store of bullets, came out and gave their valuable assistance. Major
Malcolm was too good a soldier to forget the importance of having timely
notice of the approach of a foe, and had directed the overseer to select
four trustworthy negroes, who were sent out to do duty as scouts, with
orders to make their way back the moment they discovered the enemy.

"Can you entirely trust those fellows?