ed in sending him on
board a man-of-war, he resolved on wreaking his vengeance in the first
place on his head. On visiting the governor's country-house he
discovered that the Earl had gone to the plantation of Mr Jefferson,
and he immediately determined, with such aid as he could collect, to
attack it, in the hopes of at once either capturing the Earl or
destroying him and his family. Happily, having to deal with people with
whom he was little acquainted, his plans were not kept so secret as they
might otherwise have been, and the faithful old Caesar thus got
information respecting them.

CHAPTER TWELVE.

Some hours passed quietly away at Mr Jefferson's country-house after
all the preparations had been made for the reception of their expected
assailants, and yet no enemy appeared.

Higson and the other leaders had some difficulty in bringing up their
forces to the attack. They had discovered that the house had been
fortified, and they were well aware that a victory could not be obtained
without a considerable loss to themselves. Higson had been on shore for
some weeks before these preparations were made. Sometimes his mind
misgave him, especially when he saw that the British troops in the
garrison were thoroughly disciplined, and always on the alert, and that
even a regiment of black troops, whom it was hoped might be gained over,
refused to desert their colours. The conspirators had then, not without
considerable risk, to send to the French and other enemies of England to
obtain their assistance. This was readily enough promised, but they
were told that they must themselves commence the rebellion, and that
then ample assistance would be forthcoming. At length Higson and his
associates gained courage, and they hoped by an attack on Mr
Jefferson's house, and by the capture of so many persons of consequence,
to obtain an influence over the rest of the people of the island, which
would at once give them the upper hand.

Several hours of the night had passed away; Lady Sophy and Lady Nora,
with the rest of the ladies, were advised to lie down, it being hoped,
that perhaps after all, an attack might not be made. Scouts were,
however, sent out to watch for the approaching enemy. At length two of
them came hurrying back, announcing that they heard the approach of feet
up from the sea. This was the most assailable side of the house. The
stream, which has been spoken of with its precipitous banks, circled
ro