ified fashion he scampered off
to rejoin his companions.

The whole of the band now united in giving utterance to a terrific
war-whoop, and came rushing up to the house. There was no longer any
doubt as to their intentions; they halted for a moment to fire, and then
came right on at a rapid pace, up to the palisade.

"Now, lads, give it them!" shouted Uncle Jeff; and every bullet fired by
our little garrison brought down one of our foes.

The death of their companions served but to inflame the rage of the
rest; and climbing up over the palisade of which I have spoken, they
attempted to get into the enclosure. Several were shot down in the act;
but others succeeded in reaching the enclosure, though they soon paid
dearly for their activity, as they were shot down as soon as we could
reload our rifles. The loss of so many men in their first attack seemed
to discourage the rest, and they drew off to a distance, under such
shelter as they could find.

"We have soon settled the fellows; they have had enough of it," cried
some of our men.

"Wait a bit, lads," said Bartle; "that is not the Indian fashion. They
will be upon us again before long."

He was right; in a few minutes a considerable number of the enemy were
seen moving round, in order to get to the rear of the out-buildings--
Bartle and Gideon meanwhile picking off two or three who incautiously
exposed themselves. Having gained the position they desired, they made
a rush towards the buildings, which sheltered them almost entirely from
our fire. Breaking through the enclosure on that side, they next
advanced boldly into the open space in front of the stables, where they
were once more exposed to view. Scarcely had they reached it when
Bartle's unerring rifle brought down their leader. His followers, on
seeing this, rushed into the stables, while others made their appearance
in the same direction.

Either because they fancied that their chief was still alive, or that it
was a disgrace to allow his body to remain on the ground, a couple of
warriors dashed out for the purpose of carrying it off; but before they
had time to stoop down and lift it from the ground, Gideon and Bartle's
rifles had laid them both by its side. Two others followed, and were
picked off by Gillooly and Klitz, both of whom showed themselves no
despicable shots. In the meantime Bartle and Gideon had reloaded, and
two more warriors shared the fate of the first.

As yet, all the succ