bserved Mr Twigg.
"As they increase in numbers they will grow bolder, and we shall have
harder work to drive them off."

"Don't be anxious about that," answered the lieutenant; "as long as our
men prove true we shall have no difficulty in keeping them at bay, and
we may hope in time that troops will be sent to assist us, as well as
others who may be attacked. I hope that many planters will have wisely
taken the precautions you have done, and fortified their houses."

"My belief is that Mr Pemberton will have done so," answered Mr
Ferris; "if not, I fear that Major Malcolm will be unable to render him
much assistance."

Weary from hard work as all the garrison were, they could not venture to
take any rest, except such as they could obtain by sitting with their
backs to the palisades or the wall of the house, with their muskets by
their sides, ready for instant service. Lieutenant Belt, who felt the
responsibility resting on his shoulders, divided the other gentlemen
into two watches, so that one party might be continually going round to
see that the sentries were on the alert. As it was fully expected that
the rebels would make a sudden attack during the dark hours of night, he
himself felt that he must dispense with sleep.

"I quite envy you," said Archie, who accompanied him. "I wish that I
had been a soldier; this work just suits me."

"You might soon get tired of it. If it were to become the sole
occupation of your life, you would begin to sigh for rest and long for a
quiet life, I can tell you," was the answer.

None of the men appeared inclined to sleep at their posts, for they all
well knew that their lives depended on their vigilance.

After some time had elapsed, several dusky forms could be seen creeping
up towards the house, as if to ascertain what the garrison were about.

"Keep silence," whispered the lieutenant to the men, as he went his
rounds; "when they get near enough we will show them that we are wide
awake. The blacks can then be picked off by any good marksmen among
you." As he spoke, the lieutenant's voice may have been heard, or the
negroes may have observed the heads of the sentries above the palisades,
for they suddenly disappeared under cover.

Towards the morning the darkness increased, and the garrison redoubled
their vigilance, every moment expecting an attack, for the rebels might
have got close up to the house without being discovered.

The ladies, meantime, with the nurse