ng very hot," he said.

"Well, then," exclaimed old Samson, "we must get our barricade ready,
should the door give way, and then crouch down behind it. The nearer we
are to the ground, the less we shall suffer from the smoke."

We accordingly dragged the heavy piece of woodwork from the place where
it had been standing, to the position it was to occupy, where we laid it
flat on the ground. It was at the proper moment to be lifted up, and
supported by stout pieces of timber, serving as props, on the inner
side. It would thus shelter us, and prevent our enemies from entering.

The door took even longer than we had expected to burn through; but at
last, here and there, the forked flames were seen making their way
through it, and after this its complete destruction was rapid. Down the
upper part came with a crash, followed by the shouts of the Indians, and
a shower of arrows--which, however, flew over our heads. No further
attempts were made to increase the pile of fagots; our foes supposing
that their work was accomplished, and that, even were we not suffocated
by the smoke, we should speedily become their victims. We knew that the
Indians were not likely to rush through the flames; we therefore waited
concealed on either side, behind the rock, till they had somewhat
subsided.

Old Samson listened eagerly for any sounds which might indicate that the
attack was about to be recommenced.

"Now, lads! up with the barricade!" he shouted out; and with one united
effort we lifted it from the ground, directly across the doorway.
Scarcely was it securely fixed before the Indians, who had not perceived
what we were about, leaped over the burning embers and came rushing on.
Our five rifles rang out together, and as many Redskins bit the dust.
The rest found themselves stopped by the barricade; and with the
crowbars which we had used to get it in position we struck furiously at
their heads, beating them back into the hot embers, where several of
them, stunned by our blows, were quickly suffocated, or burned to death.
The remainder, believing success hopeless, fled from the spot, and made
their way down the hill to where they had left their horses. On this we
dashed out and followed them, picking off several more. We should have
pursued them further, had not their numbers made it prudent for us to
remain under shelter of the wood.

On reaching their steeds they mounted and galloped off. In their haste
to attack us, they