he house, sir, and it's my belief that the blacks on the
estate will prove loyal, whatever may be the case elsewhere," observed
the book-keeper.

"Go forward and obey your orders, sir," said the major; "we will ride on
more leisurely to the house."

Fanny drew a deep breath. "I feel inexpressibly relieved," she said,
"though I was sure, Major Malcolm, that you would have protected me; but
I am more anxious about my father and mother and the rest of the family
at Walton. It is more exposed even than Bellevue, and, though perhaps
our own slaves may prove faithful, there are other estates on either
side where the blacks are said to be harshly treated; and they may take
the opportunity of revenging themselves on all the white people within
their reach. I would rather go home at once to share their fate."

"I am very sure, Miss Pemberton, that should your family be in danger,
they would not desire that you should be exposed to it," answered the
major. "You yourself require rest--and, indeed, your steed would not
carry you much further. I trust that the report which has alarmed us
may prove to be without much foundation, and I will get Mr Twigg to
send over at once to Walton and ascertain the state of affairs--or, if I
find that Bellevue is safe, I will ride over myself to offer my
services."

"Oh, thank you, thank you!" exclaimed Fanny; "I shall indeed be
grateful."

Riding somewhat more leisurely than at first, though still keeping up a
smart canter, they soon reached Bellevue, where they found that Mr
Twigg had sent out to collect the book-keepers and drivers, white and
brown, to assemble at the house for its protection. Major Malcolm's
first inquiry was as to his means of defence.

"I have firearms, which I have kept ready in case of any outbreak such
as that of '37, and all the white men on the estate have their
fowling-pieces and pistols," he answered. "We fortunately procured a
couple of casks of powder not long ago."

"Very good; but have you a supply of bullets?" asked the major.

"No--dear me, I am afraid not," said Mr Twigg.

"But you have moulds, surely, for casting them?" continued Major
Malcolm.

"Yes; some are stored with the arms, I believe," was the answer.

"And what about lead?" asked the major. The worthy planter looked
perplexed. "You must surely have some leaden pipes or cisterns, or lead
in some form or other. Pray search in every direction, and I will set
my two fellows to work