s and children, had been placed in
one of the lower rooms, into which it was believed no shot could
penetrate. Mr Ferris had urged them, in case of an attack, to lie
down, so that, should any balls make their way through the planking,
they might pass over their heads.

"But surely we can help in some way or other," exclaimed Fanny. "We
might load the muskets, even if we do not fire them; and if any of our
defenders are wounded, we will come out and take their places with the
rest."

"I will do my best, but I do not feel that I could try to kill the poor
blacks," answered Ellen.

"They deserve to be killed," exclaimed Miss Pemberton, "for daring to
rebel against their masters." She spoke as a planter's daughter.

"Perhaps we might better employ ourselves in attending to any of our
defenders who are unfortunately wounded," observed Mrs Twigg, who knew
Ellen's sentiments, and did not wish to enter into any discussion on the
subject.

"I trust that, now they have seen the preparations made for their
reception, the rebels will not attempt to attack the house," said Mr
Ferris. "All I beg you to do is to remain quiet, and to keep up your
spirits. Perhaps in the morning we shall find the blacks have
retreated, and gone off to attack some more defenceless houses.
However, if any of the people are wounded, we will place them under your
care. In the mean time, let me entreat you to lie down and get some
rest."

Somewhat reassured by his remarks, the ladies followed his advice; and,
except the sentries and the officers on guard, the greater number of the
inmates of the house might have been found fast asleep. Not a sound was
heard throughout the building, nor was a light shown which might attract
the notice of the rebels. Occasionally their voices and the shrill
blasts of their horns could be heard rising out of the valley, but even
the keenest pair of eyes among the garrison failed to detect a single
object moving in any direction.

Day at length broke, and it was hoped that the enemy might have
disappeared; but as the light increased, the blacks were seen amid the
openings of the trees, collected in still greater numbers than on the
previous evening, while in the far distance parties were observed moving
across the country, some approaching the house, others going in the
direction of Walton.

"I fear that the major and his companions have had some difficulty in
reaching Mr Pemberton's house," observed Lieutenan