ough to hear me, I hailed, and
inquired what he wanted.

"I come with important information," he answered; "allow me to enter,
that I may deliver it without delay."

From the tone of his voice, and the way he pronounced his words, I knew
that he must be an Indian; but feeling assured that he was a friend, I
told him on which side he would find the only door by which he could be
admitted; then calling to one of the men to take my place, I hastened
down to the ground-floor. I there summoned four trustworthy men to
guard the door; but on opening it, the light from the lantern held by
one of the men fell on the stranger's countenance, and I recognised
Kanimapo.

"I come," he said, "to urge you to be on your guard; for Aqualonga has
been joined by fresh forces, and he has sworn that he will capture the
house, or perish in the attempt. He fully expects to succeed, for a
black, who states that he made his escape from the house, has informed
him that many of your people have been killed and wounded, and that your
ammunition is almost expended. On hearing this, Aqualonga expressed
both rage and regret at not having continued the attack; and he fully
intends to resume it to-morrow night, when he hopes to find you off your
guard. As I am supposed to be a foe to the patriots, I was able to mix
among his officers without being suspected; and having gained all the
necessary information, I escaped from the camp, and came at once to put
you on your guard. I desire, also, to render you any further assistance
in my power."

I of course merely give the substance of what Kanimapo said.

Knowing that his information was too important to be neglected for one
moment, I at once went in search of Uncle Denis, who was on guard. He
called up my father, Uncle Terence, and Doctor Stutterheim; and Kanimapo
being summoned, a council of war was held. No one having any doubt of
the correctness of his information, it was quickly decided that, in
consequence of our want of ammunition, it would be hopeless to attempt
the defence of the house, and that the best prospect we had of saving
our lives was to beat a speedy retreat. My uncles proposed proceeding
to Don Fernando's; and my father would have gone there also, had not
Kanimapo undertaken to guide him and his family to a place of safety, if
they would trust to him.

"I would invite you all to come, but I fear that so large a number would
be more likely to be discovered by the Spaniards,"