house while the enemy were
unable to follow them.

"Let us make another attempt to drive them off," was the answer. "They
are afraid themselves of the flames they have kindled, and will not
venture through them. Now, my lads, give them one more volley," he
shouted, "and if I mistake not they will turn tail."

As he shouted "Fire!" at the top of his voice, the order was heard by
the blacks, and away they went scampering down the hill, hoping to avoid
the bullets which they expected would follow.

The greater number got under cover, or escaped by falling flat on their
faces. Ignorant savages as they were, they were unable to take
advantage of the success their bravery and hardihood had accomplished.
On this the ultimate safety of the hard-pressed garrison depended. Had
they pressed on through the opening which the fire had produced, they
might have forced their way, not only within the stockade, but into the
house itself. Hopes were entertained that the enemy had had fighting
enough for the night, and intended to allow the fire to do its work
before making another assault. Fresh efforts were made by the garrison
to extinguish the fire, which had got hold of the stockades. They had
been composed chiefly of dry timber, which easily ignited and burned
furiously. At length the lieutenant saw that all attempts to save them
would be futile, and that the utmost that could be done would be to
prevent the doors and windows of the house itself from catching fire.
This, by constant watchfulness and great exertion, was done; and he
then, complying with Mr Twigg's earnest appeals, summoned the people to
come within the house, when the door was barricaded, and they prepared
to hold out, in what they had from the first called their citadel, till
the moment for the intended sortie had arrived.

It was a night of terror to many and anxiety to all. Their ammunition
was running terribly short; but a few rounds only remained, and there
was barely food sufficient to afford a breakfast for the weary garrison.
The water also was almost exhausted.

Daylight came, and the lieutenant went himself to the roof of the house
to look out, but could see no friendly band coming to their relief. The
young ladies' dresses were flying in the morning breeze, sadly rent by
the bullets which had passed through them. The lieutenant then turned
his glance into the valley, where he saw the black besiegers still
apparently as numerous as ever. The