both of food and
water, the ladies setting the example to the rest. They now began to
look out anxiously for relief. The news of the insurrection must have
reached Kingston and the other large towns where soldiers were
quartered; and of course troops, with the militia and even the maroons,
who it was hoped would prove loyal, would at once be despatched to
disperse the rebels. Should Major Malcolm not have reached Walton, but
have made his way to Montego, he would there, it was supposed, take
command of some of the garrison of the fort and the militia, who
mustered in pretty strong numbers, and would quickly return.

The day was drawing towards its close. The blacks had made no movement,
nor could any friends be seen approaching from the west. The planter
and his overseer and Archie made frequent visits to the roof of the
house, whence they could obtain the most extensive view, and Archie, who
was the last to go up, watched the sun sinking into the west and
darkness come on without having any satisfactory intelligence to give on
his return, he felt more out of spirits than he had ever before done in
his life. Not on his own account, however, for he wished that the
blacks would attack the house, as he was ready to fight to the death,
and felt confident that they would be driven off. He was sincerely
attached to Mr Twigg's family, and he thought of the two young ladies--
especially of Ellen, to whom he had lost his heart--and dreaded the
hardships to which they all might be exposed; indeed, he could not
conceal from himself that they might be in still more terrible danger
than at present. Lieutenant Belt, who had wisely taken some hours'
sleep, rose refreshed and ready for the work before him. He forthwith
went round among the men, urging them to be on the alert, and telling
them that he fully believed the blacks would make an attack before long.

"Don't be daunted by their shrieks and cries, my men," he said. "Depend
upon it, they will not stand before a few well-aimed volleys from your
muskets. Don't fire till you get them well in view, and then aim at
their bodies. `Let every bullet have its billet,' and I will answer for
it we shall beat them off."

The men answered with a cheerful "Ay, sir."

Still the rebels hung back. Perhaps they guessed that the garrison were
in want of provisions, and had wisely determined to starve them out.
Their proceedings were evidently conducted by chiefs who well understoo