people, and direct
them to bring their arms and ammunition, and as large a stock of
provisions as they have ready," replied Mr Twigg, "and we will follow
out any plan Major Malcolm may suggest. He will, of course, take the
command, and for our own sakes we shall be wise to obey his orders."

The overseer laughed. "Well, sir, we shall take a great deal of trouble
for nothing," he said; "and should the military gentlemen order us to
level the out-buildings, and to cut down the trees surrounding the
house, we shall do more damage than can be easily repaired."

Several of the young men agreed with Mr Thompson, but Archie Sandys and
Jack Pemberton sided with the other gentlemen. Martha remained as firm
as at first in her belief that if they did not make haste and get ready
to defend themselves, they would all be destroyed. The major's first
care had been to see that the arms and ammunition were in a serviceable
state. The former evidently required cleaning; with the powder he was
satisfied. Though no leaden pipes were procurable, as bamboo canes
serve every purpose for which the former are used in other countries, a
leaden cistern and some pigs of lead which had been sent with the
muskets were found, and the three troopers who had accompanied the major
and his companion were set to work to cast bullets and clean up the
arms; while the major, after twice making the circuit of the house,
advised that it should be surrounded in the first place with a
_chevaux-de-frise_ of timber and stout bamboos sharpened at the ends,
and that, if time would allow, inside that a palisade should be erected
with loopholes for musketry and of a height sufficient to protect the
garrison.

"At all events," he observed, "no harm can be done by collecting the
materials for the purpose, and we can then proceed according to the
information we receive."

This plan seemed so sensible that even Mr Thompson did not object to
it, and all the available hands were divided into two parties--some sent
to the nearest cane-brake to cut the canes, and others to fell trees.
Night was approaching, and after the first few loads had been brought
in, Mr Thompson suggested that they should wait till the following
morning. Martha, who was eagerly watching all the proceedings, went to
her master and, with tears in her eyes, entreated that there might be no
delay.

"I know what will happen dis berry night," she said; "if any one shut
his eyes, perhaps no wake