nst us; still, if the
worst comes to the worst, I am convinced that we can hold this house
against quite as strong a force as they are likely to bring to attack
it. There is one precaution I should advise you to take at once, and
that is to lay in a store of water. I daresay you have got some empty
molasses and pork casks, that is if you do not burn them as soon as you
empty them. If not we must set to work and make a strong wooden tank. In
case we were really besieged, it would be fatal to us if we were caught
without a supply of water."

Fortunately there were three or four empty casks. These were taken down
to the river and thoroughly washed, filled with water and rolled up to
the house. While this was being done, Wilfrid, with the Grimstones and
the natives, had gone out and driven in all the animals from the
clearings, and as soon as they were brought in Wilfrid with the natives
started to drive them to Mr. Mitford's. Mr. Atherton went over to his
hut, and before night his two natives had brought over all his most
valuable property, and the next day his hut was completely stripped. The
Allens only brought over a few things. Their furniture was rough and
heavy, and they contented themselves by carrying it out into the forest
near and hiding it in the undergrowth. Wilfrid returned to The Glade in
the evening. He said that many of the settlers had come in, and were
erecting shelters of hides, canvas, and wood near Mr. Mitford's house.
The men were all being enrolled. Officers had been appointed, and the
natives were likely to meet with a stout resistance if they ventured on
hostilities.

Mrs. Mitford had sent an earnest invitation to Mrs. Renshaw and Marion
to take up their abode with her. Mr. Mitford had approved of their
intention of holding the house. He knew its capabilities of defence and
thought that, unless taken by surprise, they would be able to hold it.

"It will be a sort of outpost for the colony," he said, "and will add to
our safety; for if any strong body of natives were approaching they
would probably attack you before coming on here. The instant we hear
that you are attacked we will come up to aid you. We shall be able to
muster in all something like fifty mounted men--a strength sufficient to
meet any number of natives likely to assemble in these parts."

CHAPTER XIII.

THE ATTACK ON THE GLADE.

For three days things went on quietly at The Glade. The first thing in
the morning Jack wen