t Belt to Archie
Sandys. "If he could not get in, he will have gone on to Montego, or
some place to the westward where he might hope to obtain troops to
relieve us."

"But suppose that he has encountered some such large gang of armed
blacks as those we see out yonder; he and his companions must have been
shot down, for what could so small a party do against a whole host of
enemies?" answered Archie.

"That depends upon how his followers behave. If they prove staunch and
obey his orders, they may put any number of armed undisciplined blacks
to fight," said the lieutenant. "Still I own that I shall be glad to
have tidings of him. What the fellows round this house intend doing, I
cannot make out; but I conclude that they prefer fighting in daylight
rather than in the dark, and that we must expect to be attacked before
long. In the mean time, I shall be glad to have some breakfast and a
few minutes' sleep. Do you take my place, and let me be called if you
detect the slightest movement among the blacks." Saying this, the
lieutenant went into the house, through the only door which had been
left open. Preparations had also been made for barricading that, should
it become necessary.

The house, it must be understood, was to form the citadel, should the
outer defences be forced or should there be a prospect of their being
so. With this object in view, loopholes had been formed in all the
doors and windows, from whence a warm fire could be poured down upon the
assailants. Still the rebels did not venture to approach nearer.
Archie and the others began heartily to wish that the blacks would
attack them, not doubting for a moment what would be the result. Hour
after hour went by, but no movement was perceived. Still it could
scarcely be hoped that the rebels had given up all intention of
assaulting the house.

A stock of provisions had been collected, but there were many mouths to
consume them, and no one had expected that the siege would last beyond a
day or two, as all supposed that, after being defeated in the first
attack, the blacks would take to flight. The consumption of water was
also considerable, and it was found that nearly all had been used up.
The well which supplied it was at some little distance from the house.
Water, however, must be obtained at all hazards. Archie undertook to
lead a party with buckets to get what was wanted: it would be more easy
to do that at night than in the daytime. But thi