ch should
be kept, offering to take command of the fortress. Jack begged that he
might be allowed to act as his aide-de-camp. Like a good officer as he
was, the major made frequent rounds of the house, seeing that the
sentries kept a good look-out, and again examining every portion of the
building to assure himself that no point remained unguarded through
which an enemy might force his way. He went also, occasionally, on the
roof, whence he could command an extensive view over the country. On
each occasion he turned his glance especially in the direction of
Bellevue, though he discovered nothing to cause him anxiety. He was
about to descend, when, as he looked down into the valley, it appeared
to him that a number of dark objects were creeping up the hill. He
watched them till he was convinced that they were men.

Slowly and cautiously they came along. He had no longer any doubt that
the house was about to be attacked. He hurried down and, going from
room to room, warned the defenders to be prepared, while he sent Jack
Pemberton to other parts of the building. As he looked out through a
loophole on the side which the rebels were approaching, he saw that
several carried ladders, and others bundles of firewood, though, for
fear of betraying themselves, they had no lighted torches.

"Mr Pemberton," he said to his young aide-de-camp, "tell the people to
aim at the fellows with the ladders, and not to trouble themselves about
the others--they can do no harm. The moment a man touches a ladder,
shoot him down. Say those are my orders--they must be obeyed."

The importance of the advice was soon evident. The insurgents, knowing
that they must be discovered, now rushed forward, uttering fierce
shrieks and yells. As they did so they lifted up the ladders with the
intention of placing them against the walls, their object being
evidently to throw the brands on the roof and set it in flames. Without
waiting for further orders, the defenders fired, and every man carrying
a ladder was shot down. Others took their places, most of whom shared
the same fate; but one succeeded in fixing his ladder, a dozen others
following fast at his heels, and instantly began to ascend.

Scarcely, however, had the first got half-way up, carrying a torch in
his hand, than a shot struck him. He fell headlong among his
companions. Another, notwithstanding, made the attempt, followed by a
third; but they both met with the same fate, bein