ll they that take the sword, shall
perish with the sword,'" observed his son.

The arrangements completed, the Dinsmores returned to their homes for
the rest of the day.

About dusk the work of barricading was begun, all the able-bodied men on
the plantation, both house-servants and field-hands, being set to work
at it. The materials had been brought up to the near vicinity of the
house during the day. The men's hearts were in the undertaking (not one
of them but would have risked his own life freely in defense of their
loved master and mistress), and many hands made light and speedy work.

While this was in progress, old Mr. Dinsmore and the whole family from
the Oaks arrived; Rose and her daughter preferring to be there rather
than left at home without their natural protectors.

Elsie welcomed them joyfully and at once engaged their assistance in
loading for the gentlemen.

The little ones were already in bed and sleeping sweetly, secure in the
love and protecting care of their earthly and their heavenly Father.
Little Elsie, now ten years old, was no longer required to retire quite
so early, but when her regular hour came she went without a murmur.

She was quite ready for bed, had just risen from her knees, when her
mother came softly in and clasped her in a tender embrace.

"Mamma, dear, dear mamma, how I love you! and papa too!" whispered the
child, twining her arms about her mother's neck. "Don't let us be afraid
of those wicked men, mamma. I am sure God will not let them get papa,
because we have all prayed so much for his help; all of us together in
worship this morning and this evening, and we children up here; and
Jesus said, 'If two of you shall agree on earth, as touching anything
that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in
heaven.'"

"Yes, darling, and he will fulfill his word; he will not suffer anything
to befall but what shall be for his glory and our good. Now, dear
daughter, lie down and take that promise for a pillow to sleep upon; and
if waked by sounds of conflict, lift up your heart to God for your dear
father, and mine, and all of us."

"I will, mamma, I will."

Leaving a loving kiss on the sweet young lips, and another on the brow
of her sleeping Violet, the mother glided noiselessly from the room.

"What is it, mammy?" she asked on finding her faithful old nurse waiting
to speak with her in the outer room.

"Miss Elsie, honey, is you willin' to let us s