savages, which drove them for a moment out of
musket range. Then throwing the shutter back, he leaned out, grasped my
hands, and pulled me into the house without a scratch.

"That's what I call genius," he observed, as he clapped the shutter tight
and shot the bar into place. "I fancy they're getting about enough."

"I trust so," I answered. "But in any event, our troops will be here in
two or three hours more."

We stood for some time in silence and watched the Indians. They drew
together near one of the burning buildings, apparently for a
consultation, and then running to a cabin which had not yet been
consumed, they tore off the heavy door and shutters.

"They haven't given it up yet," remarked Brightson grimly, "but they're
going to advance under cover this time."

Evidently some further preparation was necessary, for half a dozen of
them worked away busily for some time, though we could not see what they
were doing.

"What new deviltry are they up to now?" I heard Brightson mutter to
himself, but I could find no answer to his question, for I knew little of
this kind of warfare.

It was soon answered by the Indians themselves. A dozen of them ran
around the house in different directions, each carrying a board, while
the others, after paying a last visit to the cask of rum, grouped
themselves opposite the rear door, but well out of range. We watched them
in breathless silence. Those who were armed with shields approached
nearer and nearer, until within perhaps fifty yards. We fired at them,
but seemingly without effect. Then there was a moment of anxious waiting,
and almost together a dozen streamers of fire rose high into the air and
descended toward the house. Some fell harmlessly on the ground without,
and we saw that they were arrows tipped with burning tow, but the most
must have fallen upon the roof. A second and third shower of fire
followed, and then the Indians withdrew behind their shields and quietly
awaited the result.

"They have set fire to the roof," I gasped. "We must put it out at once,
or we are lost."

"Leave that to me, Captain Stewart," said Brightson quietly, and I
never admired the courage of a man more than I did his at that moment.
"I will get out on the roof, and throw the arrows down. I don't believe
they can hit me."

It was the only thing to do, and he was gone even as I nodded my assent.
Five minutes passed, and then the Indians began to yell again, and I knew
that Brightso