on at the double, with the result
that by the time the Malays again menaced an attack, the sally-party
were under cover of the guns at the fort, and a few minutes later,
amidst the cheers of those they had left behind, Tom Long led his little
party within the gates, not a man amongst them having received a
scratch.

CHAPTER FORTY FOUR.

HOW CAPTAIN SMITHERS MADE PLANS.

There was plenty to do to make the little fort secure, and well the men
worked. Double their number would not have been too strong a garrison,
for the Malays mustered thickly now on all sides, save that nearest the
ship, whose heavy guns had taught them the risk of making any display of
their presence.

Captain Smithers would have gladly joined forces with Lieutenant
Johnson, but he was not surprised at his reply, and he could only
condole with him in respect to the accident that had occurred to the
steamer, one which would partly place it _hors de combat_ until some
flood should cause a rise in the water of the river.

The men vied with each other in executing the orders that were given,
and in a short time the mess-room and quarters were so strengthened that
once within, the men felt that the only enemy they had to fear was fire,
and that they hoped to avoid by means of their rifles, and, if needs be,
their bayonets.

It was a terrible time for the women, many of whom had husbands with the
expedition; but knowing as they did that the major's lady was in the
same position as themselves, they tried hard to follow her calm and
patient example.

It was only an outward calm though, for poor Mrs Major Sandars was
suffering keenly, though she tried hard and successfully to speak words
of comfort to Rachel Linton and her cousin, both of whom went about with
her, talking to the soldiers' wives, and trying to amuse the children,
who at times grew impatient at being forced to keep inside the walls of
the barracks, the outer enclosure having been long declared unsafe.

Captain Smithers had sought the ladies, and spoken a few words of
encouragement to them, gazing very hard at Miss Linton as he said,--

"You may rely upon us, Miss Linton. I would lay down my life sooner
than harm should befall you."

"I am quite satisfied of that, Captain Smithers," said the lady,
quietly. "I believe that of the meanest man here. In the meantime, I
presume that you would like us all to keep within the walls."

"Yes, if you please, Miss Linton," said the young