re was the customary sound
of spears sticking into the woodwork, the boy fired twice, his charges
of big shot scattering and wounding far more than he ever knew.

Just then four shots were fired quickly from the front, there was a
savage yelling, and as the captain ran forward, Sam German could be
dimly-seen beginning to recharge his piece.

"She were loaded this time, master," he said fiercely, "and some on 'em
knowed it.--How many did you bring down, Master 'Temus?"

"Don't know," said the boy huskily, as he hurriedly reloaded.

"Yer needn't be ashamed to say, my lad," cried the old gardener. "We're
fighting for ladies, and agen savage wretches as won't let honest folk
alone. There, I'm ready for another now."

"Don't fire till they attack," said the captain. "Do you hear, Norman:
no waste."

"I hear, father," said the boy quietly, as he stood with his piece
resting in the opening, and his bronzed face on the watch.

"Hurray!" came from the back, and at the same moment Norman shouted:
"They're retiring, father;" and then a low sobbing came from the inner
room.

CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE.

TWENTY-FOUR HOURS' PEACE.

Victory was won for the time being; and as the two groups drew back
toward the shelter of the scrub, they could be seen carrying the wounded
and those who had fallen. Ten minutes later they were close up to the
trees, when a thought struck the captain.

"Quick, Norman, unbar that door. Marian, every one there, keep close.
No one is to come out." He then called to German, who followed him into
the kitchen, and together they bore out the bodies of the two blacks who
had obtained an entrance, one of them still showing signs of life.

They carried one at a time some distance out into the open, having the
satisfaction of seeing that the enemy had halted and were watching them,
while by the time the second body was lowered on to the grass, the
blacks were returning at a swift run.

But long before they were near the besieged were back in shelter, and
the enemy, as they came up, contented themselves by yelling and making
threatening gestures with their spears before retiring, once more
bearing off their two companions.

"And now for preparations for the night attack," said the captain,
quietly. "Why, boys, it was like regular warfare. Your advance
compelled the enemy to develop his strength and forced on a general
engagement.--Come girls, all of you, and have a little fresh air before
dark.