d and white light shot into every window and
played on the walls, reflected from the midnight sky that had suddenly
kindled to a blaze. The outlaws had set the old wreck on fire--our dear
old school-house.

Could the Captain be there, sleeping yet? or had they killed him?

Ah! that doubt about Captain Mugford's safety magnified the danger of
our own situation to our imaginations. If those outlaws could burn, in
madness, such a harmless thing as the castaway brig, and could conquer
such a powerful man as our salt tute, what might they not do here to us?

The hour--the yelling and swearing and banging at the doors--the lurid
glare flashing from the sky to show us each other's fear-stamped
countenances--those united to bewilder and appal us boys at least.

Juno, too, was upstairs in our room, sitting on a low chair, perfectly
silent, but overcome by dread. But Clump, who now showed the courage he
really possessed, was active with Mr Clare downstairs, strengthening
every window and door. He was not afraid. His old spirit was aroused,
and, in the defence of his dear master's children, he was anxious to
prove his courage and fidelity.

"Harry," Mr Clare called up the stairs, "bring me your gun. I shall
want that down here. You say it is all loaded and ready, eh? Well,
bring it down. Walter, you keep yours upstairs, and all you boys remain
there until it is necessary to come down; and now, Walter, don't fire
unless there is absolute necessity. The rascals can't burn this house
unless they light the roof, and they can't stay here all night to do
that, for the light of the _Clear the Track_ will bring over some of the
townspeople. Poor Mugford! poor Mugford! Bob, you climb up to that
little window in the south gable-end, and see if you can detect any
movement about the wreck."

Harry handed him the gun, and I climbed to the lookout, relinquishing
Ugly, whom I had been holding, to Juno's care. He had been ordered not
to bark, so now he only panted fiercely and listened intently.

The smugglers, after vain attempts at the front door--they could have
smashed in the windows, shutters, latches, glass, and all, but their
small size and height from the ground made them most dangerous to enter
by when there were defenders within went round to the back of the house,
and presently I heard a great ripping and banging of boards there, and
Mr Clare's voice call quickly--

"If one inch of you enter there, I will fire--und