We can hurl stones or logs of wood down on
the heads of our assailants from the windows or roof."

"I will help you," cried Ellen, inspired by her friend's courage. "Let
us get them carried up at once, in case they are wanted. There are
paving-stones which can be dug up and broken into fragments, or pieces
of the heavy furniture will serve the purpose. We will at once tell Mr
Twigg what we are ready to do."

They hurried into the room where the gentlemen were assembled.

"A brave idea," cried Lieutenant Belt, looking at the young heroines
with admiration; "but others can do the work you propose. You must not
be exposed to the risk of appearing on the roof. The enemy's bullets,
as we know from experience, would reach you there. Let me entreat you
to remain below. We shall fight with more confidence when we know that
you are safe."

Ellen's suggestion, however, was carried out, and men were immediately
sent to break up the paving-stones in the back part of the house. The
blacks, at all events, were not likely to gain an easy victory. Hopes
indeed were entertained that they would not make another attack, but
those hopes were doomed to be disappointed.

"Here they come!" cried several men stationed at the windows.

Lieutenant Belt, starting to his feet, saw the whole body of blacks
advancing, some in front, others on one side of the house.

"Now, my men, I charge you not to fire a shot till you can pick out the
fellows leading them on, or, if you cannot distinguish them from the
rest, wait till the ladders are placed against the wall; for see, they
have got ladders with them, and faggots too, and they intend, if they
cannot succeed by other means, to burn us out. But do not let that
alarm you; if you keep up your courage, we shall prevent them."

As he was speaking, the insurgent slaves were drawing nearer and nearer,
though advancing slowly, apparently to enable those carrying the ladders
and faggots to keep up with the rest. Just then a dense volume of smoke
burst forth between the house and the sea to the north-east, flames
quickly following, driven by a brisk breeze which had lately sprung up.
The blacks, retreating before the fire, had to make a circuit to avoid
it. So furious were the flames that they threatened to set the
neighbouring plantations on fire. The chief effect was to shroud the
view over the sea in that direction from those in the house; another was
somewhat to delay the advance of t