osed to far
greater peril than they had hitherto been; still it was the only one,
since the house could no longer be held, for when once the flames had
gained entire possession of it, the negroes and Caribs would probably
make a dash forward through the fire and put all they could meet with to
death. Hitherto none of the rebels had ventured to go round to the rear
of the house. Indeed, when any had tried to pass by either of the
sides, they had met with so warm a fire that even the boldest had not
dared to proceed, while many had been struck down in the attempt.

"We must place the ladies in our centre and retreat to the cliff," said
Mr Jefferson.

Lord Fitz Barry and three or four of the men agreed suddenly to burst
open the door, and then lead the way in the direction Mr Jefferson had
indicated. The plan was adopted, while some of the men continued to
fire down upon their assailants.

The ladies were carried safely out, surrounded by an armed party, to the
rear of the house. Not until they had been placed in comparative safety
did the rest of the men withdraw from their now almost untenable
position. At length the whole front of the house was in flames. The
fire soon caught the rest of the building, and scarcely had the last
defender left it, than the combustible roof fell in with a loud crash.
The negroes shouted and shrieked with glee when they saw this, and
rushed forward, as had been anticipated, in the hopes of gaining an easy
victory over their now defenceless opponents.

Many of them were severely burnt, as they dashed forward into the
building, and were glad again quickly to retreat. Not till the whole
edifice was one blazing heap, did they discover that the inmates had
escaped them. By the light of the flames which continued burning
brightly, the negroes perceived the Lieutenant Governor and the planters
with their families posted at the side of the cliff.

For some time, warned by the treatment they had received, they hesitated
to advance, but at length Higson, animated by the success which had
already attended his efforts, rushed forward, calling to his men to
follow him, and made a dash towards the Earl. He thought that if he
could once get him into his power, the victory would be gained. The
negroes were perfectly ready to follow when others led, and thus a band
of shouting, shrieking wretches, advanced close to where the European
party had taken shelter. Already many had begun to climb th