ultation. It appeared to them
that by a bold manoeuvre they would be able to get out of their scrape.
The wind had gone down altogether, the sea was as smooth as glass, and
there was every appearance of a continued calm.

"If we could manage it--and I think we may--then the sooner the affair
is brought to an issue the better."

Moggy had now taken a musket on her shoulder, and was pacing up and down
the edge of the flat in imitation of a sentry. She was soon pointed
out, and a titter ran through the whole line: at last, as the major
approached, she called out--

"I say, soger, what are you doing here? keep off, or I'll put a bullet
in your jacket."

"My good woman," replied the major, while his men laughed, "we do not
want to hurt you, but you must surrender."

"Surrender!" cried Moggy, "who talks of surrender?--hoist the colours
there."

Up went the chemise to the end of the pole, and Smallbones grinned as he
hoisted it.

"My good woman, we must obey our orders."

"And I must obey mine," retorted Moggy. "Turn out the guard there."

All the women now made their appearance, as had been arranged, with
muskets on their shoulders, headed by little Lilly, with her drawn
sword.

The sight of the child commanding the detachment was hailed with loud
cheers and laughter.

"That will do, that will do," cried Sir Robert, fearful for Lilly, "let
them come in again."

"They'll not fire first, at all events," cried Moggy; "never fear, sir.
Guard, turn in," continued she; upon which Lilly and her squadron then
disappeared.

"Upon my honour this is too ridiculous," said Lieutenant Dillon.

"Upon my soul I don't know what is to be done," rejoined the major.

"Moggy, we must commence hostilities somehow or another," cried Sir
Robert from within. Smallbones here came out with his musket to release
Moggy, and Moggy retired into the cave.

The major, who imagined that there must be a path to the cave on the
other side, now advanced with the determination of finding it out, and
somehow or another putting an end to this unusual warfare.

"If you please you'll keep back, or I'll fire," cried Smallbones,
levelling his musket.

The major went on, heedless of the threat. Smallbones discharged his
piece, and the major fell.

"Confound that she-devil!--Are you hurt, major?" cried Lieutenant
Dillon.

"Yes, I am--I can't move."

Another shot was now fired, and the sergeant fell.

"Hell and flames! what must we do?"