y would be of the greatest use
to us. However, do not throw a shot away, and wait patiently until they
come near. Perhaps they think our ammunition is exhausted; and if they
find we don't fire, they may come close up to the stockade."

The captain's orders were strictly obeyed. The warriors continued
wheeling round and round, now advancing, now retreating, but still
keeping at a respectful distance from the fort. At length they got so
near, it seemed to me that we might have knocked over the whole of them.
Captain Norton, however, did not allow us to fire. This, as may be
expected, made them still bolder, and at length they came sweeping on at
full speed, shaking their spears and shouting defiance, till they got
within fifty yards of us.

"Now give it them, lads!" exclaimed Captain Norton.

As we had but a limited supply of ammunition, only such men as were
looked upon as the best shots had been told off to fire. Among these
was Tim, near whom I was standing. He was the first to draw trigger,
and so sure was his aim that he shot the horse of one of the chiefs
through the head. Down came the animal on its rider, over whom it
rolled, crushing his leg, and preventing him from rising. The rest of
the chiefs, however, throwing themselves over the sides of their horses,
so as to be completely concealed, galloped off like the wind, and as far
as I could see, not a man or horse was hit.

"Now, lads, let's get hold of that fellow before he gets on his feet,"
cried Tim; and, jumping over the stockade, followed by three other men,
he ran towards the prostrate chief, who in vain, flourishing his spear,
called on his companions to rescue him. Finding that none of them
returned, he made a desperate lunge with his spear at Tim, who, however,
leaping on one side, warded it off with the butt of his rifle, and dealt
the Indian a blow on the head which rendered him incapable of further
resistance. The Irishman and his companions then seized the
nearly-stunned warrior by the shoulders, and dragged him to the gate of
the fort. It being opened for their reception, all in another minute
were safe within, and the gate again closed.

Our captive soon recovered his senses, and looked about like a wild
beast when it finds itself in a cage, seeking for some means of escape.
His countenance fell when he saw the strong palisades and the number of
armed men by whom he was surrounded. He, however, showed no other signs
of fear, and