being knocked over by the recoil as they did so. Some fired at one
moment, some at another, with the greatest possible irregularity, many
of the bullets flying over the house, others striking the roof.

"Let them expend their ammunition as fast as they like in that style,"
cried the lieutenant, laughing; "they will not do us much harm. It is
not worth replying to such a salute."

The lieutenant's remarks greatly encouraged his men, who waited
patiently to fire in return.

"Now give it them, my lads!" he at length cried out, when the blacks had
got within fifty yards of the palisade. The order was obeyed, and as
the smoke cleared away the rebels were seen running off at full speed,
leaving five of their number on the field; and from the way others
retreated, leaning on their companions, it was evident that several more
were wounded. They, however, halted immediately they got beyond
gunshot, having no intention, apparently, of retreating altogether.
They were now seen assembled as before, a vast amount of talking taking
place among them, while their leaders rushed hither and thither urging
them to renew the attack. But this it at first seemed they were little
inclined to do; most of them, indeed, sat down on the ground as if
determined not to advance.

"I believe if we were to sally out and charge them we might put them all
to flight," exclaimed Archie Sandys, who, his Highland blood being up,
was full of fight.

"Don't attempt anything of the sort," said Lieutenant Belt, who showed
that he possessed the qualities so important for a soldier of coolness
as well as of courage. "We might drive those immediately in our front
before us, but we should have their companions on our flanks and be to a
certainty cut off, or have to fight our way back again. As long as they
keep where they are they can do us no harm."

It was especially trying to the garrison to see their enemies sitting
down quietly just out of the reach of their bullets, without permission
to attack them. The day was waning, and in all probability the blacks
would make another attack at night, when they would have a better chance
of getting near without being discovered. All the time their cries and
shrieks, and the blowing of their horns, were heard from all sides; then
came the sound of other horns in the distance, which were answered with
loud blasts from the rebels surrounding the house.

"I am afraid that the rascals have been reinforced," o