the answer, and as the stifling cloud in the dwelling
was increased yet more, the danger pointed out by Arthur had been
dispelled.

Now Mrs. Kilburne was at one of the loop-holes, using her husband's
weapon with wonderful skill, and when the enemy beat a hasty retreat,
unable to face longer the deadly hail poured upon them, she said to her
brave sons:

"It may be possible we have driven them back."

"Not yet," Ben replied, gravely. "There are so many that they will not
abandon the attack now, but be the more eager for our blood. How is the
powder holding out?"

"Mrs. Pike was bringing another keg from the cellar when her husband was
killed. I have heard your father say he had enough in the house to
withstand a siege of a week."

"Two of the oxen are dead," Arthur cried, as he looked hastily through
one of the apertures at the rear of the house. "How did they get out of
the barn? I am certain all the cattle were fastened in the stalls when
neighbor Pike came."

Ben rushed to his brother's side.

"Some of the Indians have gained shelter there!" he cried, nervously.
"Go back to mother, and I will watch here."

He had hardly spoken when three savages were seen coming cautiously out
of the building, and again the discharge of the muskets in the room
prevented the besieged from hearing any movement or words from each
other.

It was an hour past noon when the defenders of the "garrison" had
another opportunity for rest, and then, while the women watched, Ben and
Arthur cooled the heated barrels of the muskets by pouring water through
them.

[Illustration: RUNNING OUT QUICKLY HE FILLED ONE BUCKET.]

Before the work had been completed the supply of the precious liquid was
exhausted, and without an intimation to his mother or brother of what he
was about to do, Ben unbarred the door. Running out quickly, he filled
one bucket, and was in the act of stepping upon the threshold, when the
single report of a gun was heard, and he staggered forward, his face
growing pale beneath the grime of powder.

Arthur had fastened the door again before he paid any attention to his
brother, and then with heavy heart he stepped to the side of his mother,
who was cutting off the sleeve of the coat, which was red with blood.

"It is only a flesh-wound; bind it up quickly, and I will get to work
again," Ben said, with an effort to speak cheerily. "Thinking they have
killed another of us, the savages will make one more attempt to carry