which a subtle enemy might easily find an entrance during the hours of
darkness.

"See," he observed, "they might make their way along under the shelter
of that wall and reach this window and door, which might easily be
forced with a few strokes of a roughly constructed battering-ram. I
don't know if these negroes have sense to use such an engine of war, but
the knaves with whom I had to do in India would very certainly have made
the attempt."

The place pointed out was accordingly more strongly barricaded, and the
major suggested a few other improvements.

"I feel satisfied," he said at length, "that you are perfectly secure as
long as your provisions and ammunition hold out. My only regret is that
Miss Pemberton did not accompany us. She was more anxious about you
than about herself, as we fully believed that Bellevue was sufficiently
well fortified to resist any attack the rebels are likely to make
against it."

The worthy planter was much pleased with Major Malcolm, and especially
grateful to him for coming to his assistance and bringing back his son.

Of course a watch was kept on the movements of the rebels, sentinels
being stationed on the roof at each side of the house to give due notice
of their nearer reproach. They showed no disposition to attack it
during the daytime. It was naturally expected, however, that they would
do so at night, should they entertain any hope of success. It was
difficult otherwise to account for their remaining in the neighbourhood.

Major Malcolm expressed his wish to continue his journey, and Mr
Hayward was anxious to accompany him, that they might carry out their
intention of collecting all the available military and militia for the
purpose of attacking the rebels wherever they could be met with. Mr
Pemberton, as might be supposed, was desirous of retaining them.

"My dear sir," he observed, "it is a very different thing to cut your
way up to a fortress in the gallant style you did, and to force a road
through an enemy on leaving it. In the one case, you at once gain
shelter, and in the other are open to the pursuit of the foe. Your
party, too, will be diminished, and you may be surrounded by
overwhelming numbers, in contending with whom the most determined
bravery will not avail."

Major Malcolm saw the force of this reasoning, and agreed to remain till
the following morning. Besides the book-keepers, overseers, drivers,
and other free persons employed on the es