a glance, had caught
up a great log from the fireplace in the upper hall, where it was
awaiting the winter lighting, and, with a strength little short of
superhuman, had hurled it down upon the savages.

It gave us respite for a moment, but it was certain they would charge
again, and I knew too well what the result would be, for the last of the
negroes had flung down his gun and run away, leaving only Brightson and
me to guard the women. It was Mrs. Marsh who spoke the saving word.

"Why not retreat to the roof?" she said. "They could not get at us
there."

It was the only chance of safety, so to the roof we went, the women
first, and we two bringing up the rear. Once there, we closed the trap
and waited. In a moment we heard the yell which told us that our retreat
had been discovered, and then again came silence.

"This is no ordinary Indian attack," said Brightson, who was wiping the
sweat and powder stains from his face. "There's a Frenchman leading
them, and maybe two or three. Did you see that fellow in buckskin who
ran in front?"

"Yes," I answered gloomily. "I have fired at him three times, but always
missed him."

"Well, he is no Indian," said Brightson, "in spite of his painted face.
If they hadn't had that cask of rum and him to lead them, they would have
cleared out of this long ago. They have no stomach for this kind of work,
unless they are full of liquor."

The sky in the east was turning from black to gray, and the dawn was not
far distant.

"Our troops will soon be here," I said, and went to the women where they
were crouching behind a protecting gable. Dorothy, her mother, and Mrs.
Marsh were sitting side by side, and they all smiled at me as I
approached.

"I think we are safe here," I said as cheerily as I could, "and the
reinforcements cannot be far away. I know Colonel Washington too well
to think he would delay a moment longer than necessary to start to
our relief."

"You have made a brave defense, Captain Stewart," said Mrs. Marsh
earnestly. "I realize what would have been our fate long ere this, had
you not been here."

"Nay, madame," I interrupted, "I could have done little by myself. I
have learned to-night that the women of Virginia are no less gallant
than the men."

"Come, come," laughed Dorothy, "this is not a drawing-room that you need
think you must flatter us, Tom."

I glanced at Mrs. Stewart, and saw with some surprise that she too
was smiling.

"'Twas not flattery,