brows wrinkled, to ask my advice.

At this time (and at her suggestion) I builded a fireplace and oven
within our third or inmost cave (that was by turns her larder,
stillroom, dairy and kitchen) and with a chimney to carry off the smoke
the which I formed of clay and large pebbles, and found it answer very
well. Thus, what with those things I contrived and others she brought
from her treasure-house (the secret whereof she kept mighty close) we
lacked for nothing to our comfort, even as Adam had promised in his
letter. Moreover, I was very well armed both for offence and defence,
for, one by one, she brought me the following pieces, viz., a Spanish
helmet, inlaid with gold and very cumbersome; a back and breast of fine
steel of proof; four wheel-lock arquebuses, curiously chased and
gilded, with shot and powder for the same; three brace of pistols,
gold-mounted and very accurate; and what with these, my sword, axe, and
trusty knife, I felt myself capable to drive away any should dare
molest us, be he Indian, buccaneer or pirate, as I told her.

"Aye but," says she, "whiles you fought for our lives what must I be
doing?"

"Lying secure within your secret treasure-house."

"Never!" says she, setting her chin at me, "O never, Martin; since I am
your comrade my place must be beside you."

"'Twould but distress me and spoil my shooting."

"Why then, my aim should be truer, Martin. Come now, teach me how to
use gun and pistol."

So then and there I fetched a pistol and one of the arquebuses and
showed her their manage, namely--how to hold them, to level, sight,
etc. Next I taught her how to charge them, how to wad powder and then
shot lest the ball roll out of the barrel; how having primed she must
be careful ever to close the pan against the priming being blown away.
All of the which she was mighty quick to apprehend. Moreover, I took
care to keep all my firearms cleaned and loaded, that I might be ready
for any disturbers of our peace.

So the days sped, each with its meed of work, but each full-charged of
joy. And dear to me beyond expressing is the memory of those days
whenas I, labouring with my new tools, had but to lift my head to
behold my dear comrade (herself busy as I). Truly how dear, how
thrice-blessed the memory of it all! A memory this, indeed, that was
to become for me sacred beyond all others; for now came Happiness with
arms outstretched to me and I (poor, blind wretch) suffered it to plead