rst can be ill endured
in that burning climate; Archie therefore cried out for a dozen
volunteers, six to carry the buckets, and six, fully armed, to defend
them should they be attacked. The well was little more than a hundred
yards off, while the nearest blacks who could be seen were at the
distance of four hundred yards off at least, but others might be
concealed nearer at hand.

Six white men, book-keepers and others, volunteered to accompany Archie;
the remainder, who were to carry the buckets, were blacks. They crept
along till they got directly opposite the path which led to the well;
headed by Archie, they at once rushed down towards it. The rebels at
first made no movement, apparently not understanding what they were
about; then some of those in front began to retreat, thinking that they
were to be attacked, and evidently not prepared for this. They soon,
however, discovered the object of the garrison; it showed them also,
what they might not before have been aware of, that there was a scanty
supply of water in the house. Summoned by their leaders, they began to
advance, and as they did so fired at Archie and his companions. In the
mean time, the bucket-bearers had obtained the water, and were
retreating up the hill.

"Don't fire," cried Archie, "till their bullets come whizzing about our
ears. Steady now!" And his men retreated towards the house, looking
over their shoulders to see how far off the enemy still were. As soon
as the slaves had carried the water safely inside, the armed men turned
round and fired a volley which stopped the advance of the rebels. Then,
making a rush, Archie and his companions leaped over the palisades, the
whole garrison at the same moment opening fire on the advancing enemy,
who, having failed in their object of cutting off the watering party,
took to their heels.

None of the rebel blacks were killed, though some apparently were hit,
but not one of the garrison was hurt. This was the chief event of the
day. Enough water to last them four and twenty hours at least was
obtained, and Archie proposed getting some more at night, when it could
be done with less risk. Food, however, began to grow scarce; the fresh
meat and fowls had become uneatable, and much anxiety was felt as to the
means of obtaining more provisions. The kitchen garden and the yam
grounds, being at the foot of the hill, were in possession of the
rebels. Of course the garrison was put on an allowance