tablished in a grove a
mile away.

So far there was no fear of the garrison, as Rifle called them, being
starved out; but at any time a nearer approach of the enemy would put a
stop to the successful little forays made by Shanter in search of eggs
and chickens; and the task of milking the cows, which marched up slowly
morning and evening, might easily have been made too difficult or
terminated by the throwing of spears.

"Don't let's halloa before we are hurt," Tim had said to this; and all
went on as before, the next day and the next.

Again the sun rose after a more anxious night, for the attacks had been
exceedingly pertinacious and harassing, while the mischief done amongst
the attacking party must have been terrible.

"They're getting more savage," Norman said gloomily in the course of the
day, after returning from the room where Mrs Bedford was lying down;
"and it's wearing mamma out."

"Yes," said Tim; "and the girls can't keep their tears back. I say,
couldn't we all make an attack upon them in their camp?"

"And be speared," cried Rifle. "No; there are too many of 'em. They'd
drive us back and get into the house, and then--Ugh!"

The shudder he gave was echoed by his companions.

"I was thinking whether it would be possible on horseback," said Norman.

"No, my boy," said the captain, who had overheard their remarks; "it
would be too risky, I dare not. What is the matter with the black?"

"I have not seen anything," replied Norman.

"Nor you, boys?"

Rifle and Tim were silent.

"Speak!" said the captain, sternly.

"I thought as Rifle does, uncle, that Shanter seems to be getting tired
of fighting. He always wants to be asleep in the day now, and is sulky
and cross if he is woke up."

"You have noted that, Rifle?"

"Yes, father."

"I had similar thoughts. The man wants to get into the fresh air, and
be free once more."

The object of their conversation was sitting listlessly upon his heels
gazing at the smoke of the fire rising in the scrub, but did not appear
to notice that he was being made the object of the conversation, and
soon after they saw his head droop down as if he had gone fast asleep.

The captain made a movement as if to go and rouse him up, but refrained,
and taking the glass, he focussed it, and proceeded to count the horses
and cattle still scattered about grazing. For though they seemed to be
scared away by the yelling and firing at night, they came slowly back
to