d Rifle, as he finished his
loading. "They've killed him, and that's what makes them so fierce."

He seemed to be right, for the defenders passed a cruel night; but
morning dawned, and the enemy had not gained a single advantage more
than before.

That morning was devoted to nailing planks all over the roof, for
fortunately they were plentiful. Others were nailed across the doors,
back and front, just leaving room for people to creep in and out; and
this being done, the captain took the glass once more to scour their
surroundings; while Sam German and the boys fetched water and wood,
fulfilling Shanter's duties, till an ejaculation from the captain made
them look up.

"The wretches! They have speared or driven off all the horses, boys; we
must get a sheep killed for provender, or we may not have another
chance. There, work and get done. You must all have some rest before
night."

Norman was just going into the house as the captain spoke these words,
and the boy turned away from the door to get round to the side, where he
could be alone. He had been about to join his mother and the girls, but
his father's words brought a despairing feeling upon him, and he dared
not meet them for fear they should read his thoughts.

"What's the matter, Man?" said a voice behind him. "Ill?"

It was Rifle who spoke, and Norman turned so ghastly a face to him that
the boy was shocked.

"Here, let me fetch father," he said.

"No, no; stop! I shall be better directly."

"But what was it?"

"The horses--the horses!"

"Oh, don't make a fuss about them. We've got to think of ourselves. We
can get some more horses, I daresay."

"Yes, but not when we want them," said Norman, angrily. "Can't you see:
they were our last chance."

Rifle stared.

"What--you mean?" he faltered.

"Of course. Father would have stayed here to the last to try to protect
the home he has made, but when things came to the worst, we should have
had to mount some morning and gallop off."

In spite of the peril they were in, Rifle laughed.

"Get out!" he cried. "You would never have got Aunt Georgie upon a
horse."

"Can't you be serious for a minute," cried Norman, angrily. "Don't you
see that our last chance has gone?"

"No," said Rifle, sturdily. "Not a bit of it. We've only been firing
duck and swan shot so far. Now, I'm going to ask father if we hadn't
better fire ball. Come on. Don't grump over a few horses. We don't
want to r