und two sides, while a high cliff, the summit of which was
inaccessible, formed another side of the grounds. In front also, the
ground sloped rapidly down, so that unless by steps, which had been
strongly barricaded, no one could approach up from the sea, even on that
side, without considerable difficulty. The Earl and his friends at
length observed through certain look-out places, which had been formed
on the roof of the upper story, that a large body of men were scaling
the hill in a somewhat irregular manner. At first they came on in
silence, but on a warm fire being opened upon them, they gave vent to
loud shouts and shrieks, and rushed as rapidly up the hill as the nature
of the ground would allow them. At the same time a number of persons in
the rear lighted torches, which they bore in their hands, and shook them
wildly about, as if to terrify those they came to attack. Perhaps also,
they believed that by this means they would distract the attention of
the besieged, and prevent them taking a steady aim at those in the
front. The sight of the torches raised in Mr Jefferson's mind an
apprehension which he had not before entertained. He knew too well the
combustible nature of his dwelling, and that if it entered the minds of
the rebels, they might without difficulty set the house on fire.

"If they do," he thought, "we must retreat by the back of the house and
defend ourselves under the cliffs. We may still perhaps be able to hold
our own against these fellows until assistance comes, but the poor
ladies, I tremble for them."

He did not, however, express these apprehensions to the Earl, but, like
a brave man, did his best to encourage those around him. As the enemy
approached, they opened a fire at the doors and windows of the house,
but as these had been well barricaded, the bullets fell harmlessly
against them. A considerable number of the rebels were soon struck
down, either killed or wounded. Those in the house did not fire until
the enemy approached near. The greater number of them were good
marksmen. All knew, likewise, that they fought for their lives, and for
the lives of those most dear to them. At length Barry proposed sallying
out and endeavouring to put the enemy to flight.

"The time may come for that by and by," said Mr Jefferson. "In the
meantime let us be content to hold our own till assistance can arrive
from the town, or till the rebels have discovered that they are
incapable of ove