he was for diving in among the
densely-clustered trees, which began directly cultivation ended, just
beyond where their fellows had been levelled and dragged away, leaving
the stumps in many cases standing out of the ground with the crops
between. But my father sternly called him back, and, satisfied that the
enemy was not within touch, as proved by the fact that no arrow had sped
towards us, the word was passed along the widespread line from our
centre to the extreme ends, and we retreated, leaving three videttes
under shelter in commanding positions, where they could at once see if
any Indian scouts left the edge of the forest, and so give the alarm.

As we marched back toward the fort through the plantations, which were
already displaying the effects of neglect, I asked my father if he did
not think it possible that the Indians might be watching us all the
time.

"They were watching Morgan and me that day when we killed the
rattlesnake," I said.

"It is quite possible," he replied, turning to me directly; "but we
could do no more. My orders were to search the ground, and make sure
that no Indians were lurking in the plantations. I have done that. To
have attempted to enter the forest with the few men under my orders
would have been to invite destruction without doing any good."

"Yes, I see, father," I replied.

"They may have been lying in hiding only a short distance in, but I
scarcely think so. The temptation to destroy from their lurking-places,
whence they could shoot at us unseen, would have been too great."

By this time we had reached the gate, and we filed in for my father to
go and make his report of what he had done to our commanding officer,
while I went with Pomp to where Hannibal was playing the part of cook,
and waiting our return.

"What's the matter?" I said to my companion, who was looking disturbed
and sulky.

"Why come back?" he said. "Why not go shoot all um Injum, and--"

Pomp stopped short and gave a loud sniff.

He had smelt food, and nothing else had the smallest interest for him
now till his wants had been supplied.

A busy day was spent in perfecting our means of defence against the
enemy we dreaded now the most. Blankets were laid ready by twos, and
men were drilled in the use to which they were to be put if the
block-house was fired. For they were to be rapidly spread here and
there and deluged with water, scouting parties being sent out to each of
the uninjured ho