and Mr Twigg
agreed that he had acted rightly, and blamed the overseer for firing.
Lieutenant Belt especially was indignant at his conduct.

"They may or may not venture again to attack us, but if they do, and
succeed, we can expect no mercy at their hands," he said.

"We could have expected none, at all events, I believe," observed Mr
Twigg.

Some of the garrison, who had a lower sense of honour than Mr Ferris,
were not so well satisfied with his decision, and declared that if they
had had their will they would have given up the overseer to Cudjoe,
though they took care not to utter such an opinion in his hearing.

The position of the garrison was now truly critical. The shots
uselessly fired had expended several of the few rounds, now of such
inestimable value. The lieutenant, on making inquiries, found that some
of the men had only a single charge apiece; none had more than two.
Should another attack be made, what hope had they of beating off the
foe? He did not conceal the state of affairs from the gentlemen.

"Then our best chance will be to sally out at once and fight our way
towards Walton," said Mr Twigg.

"Unless our friends should appear to our relief we should be surrounded
and cut to pieces," answered the lieutenant. "When the blacks find that
we have no powder, they will attack us with greater confidence. We may
still hold out for some hours in the house, and as the enemy are not as
yet aware of our want of ammunition, they may possibly not again venture
on an assault."

"But if they do?" asked Mr Twigg.

"Then we must reserve each bullet for the most daring among them. If we
can shoot their leaders, the rest will probably take to flight."

"But if we fail, and should they force their way in?" asked the planter,
whose spirits were sinking as he thought of the fearful danger to which
his family were exposed.

"Then, sir, we must endeavour to drive them out again with our cutlasses
and bayonets; or, if the worst happens, place ourselves round the ladies
and children, and fight to the last," answered the lieutenant in a
confident tone. "Though my sword-arm cannot serve me, I can use a pike
or bayonet."

Mrs Twigg had heard of what had taken place, and began to suspect their
desperate condition. She imparted her apprehensions to Ellen and Fanny,
though neither of them showed any signs of fear.

"I wish that I could use a pistol or sword," exclaimed Fanny; "but
surely we can do something.