h to do--to laugh at the poor woman for her kindly
but mistaken thoughts, or to feel affected, so I did neither, but
pressed her hand gently, told her she must sleep, and rose to go; but
she clung to my hand.

"You'll take care, and not go into danger," she said. "You have been
hurt enough."

"I'll try not," I said, as she still clung to my hand, looking wistfully
at me. I seemed to understand what she meant, stooped over and kissed
her, and made her cry.

"Poor old nurse!" I said to myself as I limped out, and across the
enclosure, where the people were gathered in knots discussing the
possibility of an attack. In one part all the blacks were together--the
women and the younger boys; in another part the ladies with their
children; while on the rough platforms erected at the corners of the
great palisade sentries were stationed, keeping a vigilant look-out; and
I now saw that to every white man there were two armed blacks, and I
could not help thinking that we should all be massacred if the blacks
sided with the savages against those who had made them their slaves.

At one of these corners I saw that our Hannibal was placed, his great
bulk and height making him stand out prominently from his companions;
and feebly enough, and with no little pain, I went towards him, thinking
very little of my injury in my boyish excitement, though had I been
older, and more given to thought, I suppose I should have lain up at
once in the temporary hospital.

I signed to Hannibal to come to me, and the gentleman mounting guard
with him giving permission, I took him aside.

"Well, Han," I said, as he smiled at me in his quiet, grave way, "you've
got a gun, and are going to fight then?"

"Yes, Mass' George, going to fight."

"And will the other people fight too?"

"Yes; all going to fight," he said. "Capen say must fight for us,
Hannibal, and Hannibal going to fight for capen and Mass' George."

"But--" I checked myself, for it seemed to come to me like a flash that
it would be foolish to ask the question I intended about the blacks
being faithful. "It would be like putting it into their heads to be
false," I said to myself; and then, as the great fellow looked at me
inquiringly, I continued aloud--

"Try and protect my father if you can, Han."

He gave me a quick look, and the tears stood in his eyes.

"Han die for capen and Mass' George," he said.

At that moment there was a bustle and excitement at the gate, and I