e new day was breaking, it was possible to
hear dimly as though far away in the distance, the roar of the American
cannon, drowned at times by the howling of the hurricane, and Pierre
cried as if those detonations were promises of safety for us:

"Could anything be working more to our advantage, lad? It must be that
our people understand somewhat of that which was done last night, for
they are sending their iron messengers into this village with more of
fury and determination than since the siege began."

I failed to understand how it could advantage us greatly even though our
people made a direct assault, as I said to Pierre; but the lad could not
well answer me, and I understood when he held his peace that he had
simply cried out in the hope of heartening us.

Then I listened intently for noises from the outside, and, unable to
distinguish between the roar of the cannon and the pealing of the
thunder, proposed that I be the first to go on watch in the loft above,
for I was burning to be able to see something other than the four walls
of that miserable hovel.

No one said me nay, and with two of the loaded muskets so that I might
be able to shoot twice in rapid succession if need arose, I clambered up
the ladder into the attic where Abel Hunt and Horry Sims had spent so
many, and such painful hours.

It was not yet sunrise, but the light of the coming day was sufficient
to enable me to see surrounding objects, and yet I could perceive no
change in the disposition of the British troops.

Overhead the clouds were rolling swiftly in token that the terrific
tempest had well-nigh spent its force, and I said to myself that when
the rain ceased to fall in such torrents, then would Abel Hunt and
Horry Sims present themselves, knowing full well where we would take
refuge in event of having failed to make our way outside the lines.

The hurricane ceased almost as quickly as it had begun. It was as if the
rising sun stilled the wind and caused the rain to cease, for within
half an hour, as I now remember, all nature was at peace; but man was
yet struggling and with desperation to kill his brother.

Never had the guns within our lines been served so rapidly; never was
cannonading continued so long, nor had such great destruction followed
as a result.

While yet I stood looking out I had a view of our Governor Nelson's
mansion which Cornwallis had taken possession of, and speedily saw that
the Americans must be using it a