efore the wind, or will, if they resist, to a man be cut to
pieces," he observed. "It will be a bad look-out for us, I confess, for
we shall become bankrupt; but our estates will remain, and we must
procure fresh labourers from other countries, Irish or Germans, who
would stand the climate almost as well as blacks, and do twice as much
work."

Though the worthy planter talked and went about trying to keep up the
spirits of others, he felt his own sinking when darkness came on, and no
troops appeared.

Quashie was sent for, and Mrs Pemberton secured the note, done up, as
proposed, in his woolly head. She had written it at her husband's
dictation, in a small, delicate hand, so that it occupied little more
space than a quill.

It mentioned Major Malcolm's arrival, the attack and defence of the
house, the flight of the rebels, the fact that the major had gone to
collect troops who might be expected every hour, Jack's visit to the
neighbourhood of Bellevue, and his having witnessed Archie's expedition
to obtain water. "We conclude," it continued, "that you are well able
to hold out; but if not, send us word, and, should the military fail to
arrive, we will make an expedition to your relief, and will advise you
to sally forth and cut your way through the savages. They will not for
a moment stand our united attack, and there will be but little or no
danger in the undertaking. We cannot leave Walton unprotected, but we
can muster twenty well-armed men. Be prepared, and directly you see our
signal--a flag flying on the top of the hill--dash out of the house,
with the women and children in your centre. Should the rebels threaten
to attack you, we will charge down upon them; if not, we will be ready
to protect your retreat, and keep the savages at bay till you have got
to a safe distance. I propose this in the possibility of your not
having a sufficient store of provisions, or being unable to obtain water
to stand a long siege. We have an ample supply of food for several
weeks. Our love to Fanny. We were much pleased with Major Malcolm, who
appears to be greatly struck by her."

Quashie evidently felt the importance of the message confided to him,
and was proportionately proud.

"Neber fear, massa, I git into de house and out again, and no one see
me," he said, strutting about after the note had been concealed in the
top of his woolly pate. "Look here, massa, you no see it now, or neber
anybody else till moder ge