hat no one has been hurt."

"When we think that we have you to defend, we'll fight as long as we
have a charge of powder and a ball remaining, and after that, too, for
we should make good use of our swords, depend on it," answered Tom
gallantly.

After this the blacks were quiet for some time, but we could not judge
whether they intended again to come on. Mr Talboys assured us that
they were still in the neighbourhood, and that we must be prepared at
any moment for an attack. The time went slowly by. I heard Caesar and
Cato talking; and as the danger appeared to lessen, the courage of the
former increased.

"Dem niggers, how dey did run when we fired at dem! great cowards! Just
dey cum on again, and see how we pepper der legs," said Caesar.

"Better dey not cum," observed Cato, like a true philosopher, probably
doubting his companion's resolution.

As there was no necessity to keep at our posts, I went up and asked Mr
Talboys if he would allow me to take his place, while he joined the
ladies.

"Thank you," he said; "I was intending to summon you, for I wish to take
a look round our fortifications, to be sure that we have no weak points,
for I strongly suspect we have not done with those fellows yet."

He was just about to descend, when I caught sight of a bright light away
to the northward.

"What is that?" I asked, pointing it out to him.

"It comes from the direction of Marchant's house," he answered. "I very
much fear the rebels have set fire to it. Yes, there is no doubt about
it," he added, as forked flames were observed to burst up round the
first light, and to extend on either side. Presently another light was
seen in the south-east.

"That must be from Peek's estate. I hope they had warning, and made
their escape in time, or the villains will have murdered them, to a
certainty. Fortunately there are no women or children there."

We stood watching the progress of the flames.

"We'll not tell the Marchants of the disaster," he continued. "It might
drive them out of their wits; but they may consider themselves fortunate
in having escaped with their lives."

Loud shouts rising from the spot where we supposed the blacks to be
showed the pleasure they felt at seeing the houses burning.

"They would be still more delighted could they destroy Belmont,"
observed Mr Talboys. "They will, I fear, soon again attempt to carry
out their design."

He now begged me to remain where I was, and to giv