ed with the most fearful shouts and shrieks. Presently, as I
was looking out on the west side, I saw a dense mass appear out of the
gloom, and to my dismay I discovered that it was composed of men
carrying large fagots.

I told Alick what I had seen, and he immediately summoned six of our
best men to that side of the fort, for its defence.

It was clearly the intention of our enemies to throw the fagots down
against the walls, so as to fill up the ditch and form a path up which
they could climb, or to set them on fire and burn down the stockades.
Alick, supported by Pat with half a dozen men, stood ready to receive
them; while others in the towers, which enfiladed the walls, kept up a
hot fire which struck down several of the Indians as they rushed up to
place their fagots.

It being necessary, of course, to defend the walls on the other side,
Martin and I were hurrying here and there as we saw the enemy
approaching.

"Here they come," I heard Alick shout out.

At the same moment a terrific war-whoop sounded in our ears.

"Fire steadily at them, my lads," cried Alick; "and if they get within
reach of our bayonets, let them feel the points."

"Shure! that's what we'll be afther doing," cried Pat.--"Won't we, boys?
Erin go bragh!" and a well-directed volley drove back the first body of
Indians who were attempting to mount. They had been sent apparently as
a forlorn hope, for the next instant another party still more numerous
appeared, while, as I hurried over to the other side, I saw a third
band, advancing evidently with the intention of making a separate
attack.

At the same instant the entire body of our enemies, uniting their
voices, uttered another of those dreadful war-whoops. Though we had
hitherto kept up our courage, but few among us believed that we should
be able to offer an effectual resistance. The next instant, however,
ere the shrieks of our enemies had died away, they were answered by
other cries which came from the forest. Could a fresh body of Indians
be about to attack us? Should such be the case our doom was sealed.

Such were the thoughts that passed through my mind.

Again that war-whoop sounded through the night air. "Hurrah!" cried
Pat, "those are friendly Indians. I know it by the sound."

Pat's assertion was corroborated by several of the other men. Our
well-nigh exhausted strength and courage were restored.

The Indians had heard these cries, and the formidable party which