a small garrison to defend such
extensive fortifications as those of Falls Farm against the numerous
horde of savages now threatening to assault it. But he could trust
thoroughly to the vigilance and courage of most of his men, and old
Vermack was a host in himself, while his sons and Crawford had already
shown the stuff they were made of. As to Biddy, he was very sure she
would fight to the last, but he had to charge her not to expose herself,
as she showed an inclination to do.

He possessed sufficient firearms to furnish each man, including Biddy,
with a couple of rifles or muskets, besides the two swivels, but he had
reason to fear, should the siege be protracted, that, his ammunition
might run short. He had therefore warned his men not to throw a shot
away.

Percy, ever fertile in resources, proposed that they should carry up to
the platform a quantity of stones, a large heap of which had been
collected to erect a storehouse which might be impervious to the attacks
of ants. No sooner did the idea occur to him, than he told his sisters
what he wanted. Wheelbarrows had been introduced on the farm, and a
couple were standing ready. Getting three or four big baskets with
strong handles, the young ladies, glad to find occupation, at once set
to work, as did their mother, and exerting more strength than they
fancied they possessed, they quickly filled the baskets, and brought
them under the platform, when they were speedily hoisted up, each man
being soon supplied with a heap. This was done before the Zulus had
recommenced their advance.

When Captain Broderick saw the enemy coming, he directed his wife and
daughters to retire into the house.

"If the fellows venture to come near enough, they may hurl their
assegais over the wall, and you will run the risk of being hurt," he
shouted. "Remember we are fighting for you, and it would be a poor
satisfaction to drive off the enemy, and find that you had been injured.
We will call you if you are wanted, but I enjoin you to keep under
shelter until then."

Mrs Broderick and the young ladies obeyed the captain's orders.
Although they were not allowed to fight, they could pray for the safety
of those they loved.

Captain Broderick had the satisfaction of feeling that he had not
provoked the attack by any unjust act on his part. It might possibly
have been avoided, had he ungratefully refused to afford protection to
Mangaleesu and his wife, who had been of essenti