t floor at this side, and here no doubt
the enemy would direct their first attack.

I therefore resolved to have the candles lit as usual and to keep the
blinds up, so as to give no hint that we were forewarned of their visit.

Below, on the ground-floor, there were two windows on either side of the
door, with shutters in which we bored some hasty loopholes, at each of
which we could station one of our party. And the more effectively to
keep up an appearance of being in force, I placed a loaded gun, pointed
towards the door, on the outer wall at each side, which, by an
arrangement of string attached to the triggers, I should be able to let
off from within, and so give the party the discomfort of believing
themselves taken in the rear.

For the rest, we removed everything inflammable, such as curtains and
bedding, as far from the windows as possible, and trusted to a supply of
well-filled buckets stationed in every room to help us in case of fire.
And as an additional defender against a forcible entry from any
unexpected quarter, I brought Con the dog (who seemed to understand all
that was going forward) into the house, and stationed him in the hall.

By the time these preparations were all complete it was quite dark, and
I knew we might expect our visitors at any moment.

I begged Miss Kit to see her mother disposed of in an apartment as far
from the point of danger as possible, while I lit the candles in the
drawing-room, and stationed the maids at their posts in the darkened
hall below.

My little mistress came to the drawing-room to report her task done.

"If you are not afraid," said I, "it would be well to move about in this
room near the window for a little, so as to let ourselves be seen by any
one who approaches. They may be in view of us already."

She seated herself boldly at the window, while I, in my livery coat,
waited on her with a tray.

"Afraid!" said she, taking up my words; "that would be difficult. I do
not forget that afternoon in the boat, or the gap in the cliff."

If anything could have put me more on my mettle, these words and the
smile that accompanied them sufficed. I could have received an army
single-handed.

We waited silently after that. Presently Con below gave a low growl,
and Miss Kit's eyes met mine. "Listen, and you'll hear them," said I.
Sure enough, through the open window there came the steady plash of
oars, and the sound of voices across the water.

It was an un