worse for their
journey, and grazing contentedly on the rich feed. Just below them was
an ample supply of water, and altogether, as they showed no disposition
to stray, they could be left.

Weapons were then placed ready for use at a moment's notice, and all
hands set to work to unpack the wagons, the cases being ranged outside,
barrels rolled to the corners and built up, and all being arranged under
the shadow of a great tree, whose boughs would do something toward
keeping off rain. This by degrees began to assume the character of a
little wooden fort, and lastly, over the tops of the wagons, a ridge
pole was fixed formed of a small tree which fell to Uncle Jack's axe,
and across this three wagon cloths were stretched, forming a fairly
waterproof roof to protect goods that would spoil, and also promising to
be strong enough to check a spear which might reach it through the
branches of the trees.

As evening came on, this stronghold was a long way from being finished,
but it promised some security if it were found necessary to take to it
for shelter, and it was decided that the women should occupy it, and for
the present give up the tent to the men.

Every one was highly satisfied with the day's work, and, as Rifle said,
they could all now devote themselves so much more easily to other
things--this when he had been relieved in his guard by Tim, who had
stalked off to his post looking, with his shouldered piece, as important
as a grenadier, and no doubt feeling his responsibility far more.

But matters had not gone on without a hitch, or to be correct, several
hitches, consequent upon the behaviour of Shanter, who in every way
showed that it was his intention to stay.

The beginning of it was a complaint made by German, who went up to Tim
and touched his hat.

"Beg pardon, Master 'Temus, sir, but along o' that there nigger."

"What about him?"

"I asked him as civilly as a man could speak, to come and help me unload
the big wagon, and he shouldered his clothes-prop thing and marched off.
Aren't he expected to do something for his wittles?"

"Of course, Sam. Here, I'll go and set him to work."

Tim walked away to where the black was busy carrying wood to replenish
the fire.

"Here, Shanter," he said; "come and help me to carry some boxes."

"Baal help boxes. Plenty mine come along wood."

"There's enough wood now."

"What metancoly wood," (much, a large number). "Baal come along boxes."

"But you m