did the same. They proposed making the round of the works, and I asked
leave to accompany them. Scarcely had we reached the front door when
voices were heard, and the clatter of a horse's hoofs in the courtyard.

"A scout has come in, and will bring us news of the enemy," observed one
of the officers. "Let us hear what he has to report."

In another second the light of the lamp in the hall fell on the
countenance of the newcomer, and I recognised my friend Lieutenant
Spinks. His dress was bespattered with mud from head to foot; his horse
shook in every limb as he dismounted; his head was bare, his countenance
was pale as death, and through a rent in his coat I saw the blood oozing
slowly out.

"They are coming!" he exclaimed. "The rascally Hessians! I have been
watching them all the evening to ascertain which way they were taking.
I got too close at last, and was discovered by one of their pickets,
just as they were getting under arms. They are going to make a
night-attack on this place. Of that I am certain."

The senior officer in the house, Colonel Barlow, now came down, and
Spinks made him a full report of his adventures. He had run a great
risk of being taken, and I was truly glad that he had escaped. There
seemed to be no doubt that the Hessian troops were advancing to attack
the house. The officers assembled were unanimous in the opinion that
they could defend it. Every one was instantly on foot. Loop-holes had
been cut in all the walls. They were at once occupied by men. Some
light field-pieces defended the front of the house--the weakest point;
some men were stationed on the roof; the bridge over the moat was drawn
in, and, indeed, every preparation was made to stand a siege.

In the midst of the preparations Mrs Tarleton appeared in the hall
among the officers collected there. Her countenance was as calm, and
her voice, when she spoke, as firm as if nothing unusual was occurring.

"You will be able to hold this fort against those wretched mercenaries,
I hope, Colonel Barlow?"

The colonel replied that he had no doubt about it.

"Then we will remain and see the result," she answered. "I cannot bear
the thought of running away when so many of my countrymen are exposed to
danger."

"While such are the sentiments of our women, our cause is sure to
triumph, madam," said the colonel. "Still it is my duty to try and
persuade you not to expose yourself and niece. The fortune of war is
alwa