where visible. One thing I observed, however, was,
that the tide, having already risen, was washing round the mangrove
trees at the base of the tower; and it appeared to me that in a few
minutes it would be surrounded.

As our distance from the schooner could not be great, I hoped those on
board had heard the firing, and, guessing that we were attacked, would
come to our rescue. On that point, however, I was uncertain, as the
skipper would be unwilling to leave his vessel, and the few hands he
could bring with him would, he might think, be insufficient to drive
back the Indians. I was, therefore, not very sanguine that we should
receive assistance from him.

I did not remain long in my exposed position, as, should I be seen by
the Indians, I thought that some of them might steal up and make me a
target for their arrows. I therefore hurried down again, to report my
movements to my companions. That I was right in my conjecture as to the
rising of the tide we soon had proof, for the water was already bubbling
up under the door, loosened somewhat by the blows of the Indians'
battering-ram; and to avoid wetting our feet, we had to retreat from the
lower steps of the stair. A hissing sound soon after showed us that the
water, rushing in, was extinguishing the fire burning nearest the
ground, though the upper part of the pile of brushwood still crackled
and smoked as before. We now hoped that it might be an unusually
high-tide, so that the tower would be completely surrounded.

Our hopes were not disappointed; the hissing sound increased, while the
smoke decreased. In a short time the floor of the tower was a foot deep
in water, and the smoke ceased to come through the slit in the door. I
ran upstairs, though I could see the glare of fire. On looking out, I
discovered that it was produced by portions of the burning brushwood,
which were being carried away by the water as it swept in a broad sheet
round the base of the tower. I uttered a silent prayer of gratitude.
We were safe for the present. The attempt of the Indians to burn us out
had failed; and after the reception they had met with from our
fire-arms, they were not likely to venture again up to the tower by
wading through the water. I called down to my companions, who soon
joined me.

"We must not trust too much to them, though," observed Carlos. "I know
the cunning of the Redskins; they'll wait until the tide falls, and then
again attack us."

As we