een anything of him, father?" said Rifle, eagerly.

"No," was the sharp reply.

Norman came out with Tim, each a gun in hand, to ask the same question,
and look wonderingly at the captain when his reply was abrupt and stern.

The sun sank; evening was coming on, with its dark shadows, and those
which were human of a far darker dye; and after a final look round at
the shutters, indented and pitted with spear holes, the captain said
sternly, "In every one: it is time this door was closed."

"But Shanter, father; he is not here," cried Rifle, while his brother
and cousin looked at the captain excitedly.

"And will not be," said the latter, in a deep stern voice. "Now,
German, ready with the bars? It's getting dark enough for them to make
a rush."

"Father, you don't think he is killed?" whispered Norman, in an
awe-stricken voice.

"No; but I am sure that he has forsaken us."

"What?" cried Rifle. "Oh no!"

"Yes, boy; his manner the last two days had taught me what to expect.
He has done wonders, but the apparent hopelessness of the struggle was
too much for a savage, and he has gone."

"Not to the enemy, father, I'm sure," cried Norman.

"Well then, to provide for his own safety."

"I fancied I saw a black making signs to him yesterday, sir," said
German.

"Then why did you not speak?" cried the captain, angrily.

"Wasn't sure, sir," replied German, sulkily.

"Ugh! you stupid old Sourkrout!" muttered Tim.

The door was closed with a sharp bang, bars and barriers put up, chests
pushed against it, and with sinking hearts the boys prepared for the
night's hard toil, feeling that one of the bravest among them had gone.

CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR.

"HOW MANY DID YOU BRING DOWN?"

"I won't believe it," whispered Rifle, angrily. "Father always doubted
him. Poor old Shanter has been speared."

There was a sob in his throat as he uttered those last words, and then a
terrible silence fell upon them.

"Have you boys placed the cask and chest in the fireplace?" said the
captain out of the darkness.

There was a rush to the chimney, and the dangerous spot was blocked up,
each working hard to make up for what seemed to be a dangerous neglect
on his part.

"But suppose poor old Shanter comes back," whispered Tim, "and tries to
get in that way when he finds the door fastened."

"He wouldn't come near in the dark," said Norman with a sigh; and then
to himself, "even if he was alive."

Once more silence w