ult when they found
our fire slackening. It occurred to me, while I was working away at my
gun, that we ought to ascertain what quantity of ammunition we
possessed. I asked Tim if he knew.

"Sure there was enough to defend the place for a whole day or more, when
we first came here; but I don't know how much your uncle and his party
carried away with them, or whether any has been used since. It is to be
hoped the Redskins won't be any better off than we are in this respect,
and will soon get tired of blazing away to no purpose," he answered.

I was not satisfied, however, and was anxious to go and ascertain, that
we might, at all events, reserve some for an emergency.

We had been exchanging fire with the enemy for nearly an hour, when I
observed some bright flashes of light circling over our heads.

"Arrah! now, they haven't got rockets with them?" cried Tim.

"No, these are more dangerous even than rockets," I answered. "They are
sending fiery arrows on to the roof. Should any fall where they cannot
be got at, they may set the place in a blaze. I must go and let my
father know, as he may not have observed them."

Making my way to the door so as not to expose myself, I opened it and
sprang in. Hurrying down to where my father was directing the men in
the lower part of the building, I told him what was taking place. I
mentioned also my apprehensions in regard to the limited amount of
ammunition we possessed.

"I am afraid you are right, Maurice. We must hope to drive the Indians
away before the whole is exhausted," he answered. "Come with me; we
must try to prevent these fire-brands doing any damage."

We were ascending to the top of the building, when we met my cousins in
the passage.

"O uncle! what is happening? Cannot we help you in some way?" exclaimed
Juanita.

"Not without more risk than I would desire you to run," answered my
father. "I don't wish to alarm you, but I would advise you to collect
the valuables you possess, so that you may preserve them should it be
necessary to leave the house, which the Indians are trying their best to
set fire to. They may not succeed; but if they do, it will become
untenable. Now, brave girls, do as I bid you, and wait in the room next
the garden, so that we may run out quickly if necessary."

I should have mentioned that there was on the north side of the house a
little dock or harbour, in which the boats belonging to the estate were
kept. The larges