ugh a patch of scrub
without seeing a soul, when perhaps a dozen might be in hiding."

"I wish poor old Shanter was here," sighed Rifle.

"Yes: he would be invaluable," said Uncle Jack. That night passed in
peace, and the next, giving them all such a feeling of security that
even the captain began to think that the lesson read to the enemy had
been sufficient to make them drive off their plunder and go; while, when
the next day came, plans were made for a feint to prove whether the
blacks were still anywhere near; and if it was without result, an
attempt was to be made to refill the tubs. The next day some of the
vigilance was to be relaxed, and avoiding his wife's eyes as he spoke,
the captain said, aloud:

"And then we must see if it is not possible to renew our stock, for none
of the poor creatures are likely to stray back home. Not even a
horse.--Boys," he said, suddenly, "I'm afraid your friend has to answer
for this attack. The love of the horses was too strong for him."

Another twenty-four hours of peace followed, but at the last minute the
captain had shrunk from sending down to the nearest point of the river
for water, which could only be dragged up by hand after the water-tub
had been filled.

Then night came on once more.

CHAPTER TWENTY SIX.

"IT WAS POOR OLD SHANTER."

As was their custom now, the boys were outside passing the telescope
from one to the other for a final look round, while the ladies clustered
by the open door, loth to leave it for the closeness of their room, when
the captain came round from the back and gave orders for closing.

"I think we will try to run down a tub to the water in the morning,
boys," he said. "There surely cannot be any danger now. I have been on
the roof trying to make out a fire anywhere in the bush, and there is
not a sign."

He went in after the ladies, and, as Tim put it, the drawbridge was
pulled up and the portcullis lowered; but just as the door was half-way
to, Norman caught hold.

"Look!" he whispered hoarsely; "what's that?"

The others craned their necks over the stout plank which crossed the
door, and gazed at something dark away in the lower pasture toward the
river.

Then they drew back, Norman closed the door, and began securing it,
while Tim ran to the inner room.

"Come and help to fasten this, uncle," he said quietly.

"Eh? Yes, my boy," said the captain, following him, and Tim seized his
arm.

"Quick!" he whispered, "t