could see each other plainly now, and it became necessary to look out
cautiously, for fear of offering ourselves as targets for the
Frenchmen's shots.

We could see that about a dozen well-armed men were in front, and
another group of as many at the back of the house; but they were paying
little heed to us for the moment, being engaged in watching their
companions, who were running from cottage to cottage, firing them by
thrusting torches under the thatch, and shouting and chattering to each
other, as if these acts of wanton destruction were so much amusement in
which they had delight.

Over and over again men made their pistols click, and were ready in
their rage to send bullets flying amongst the wreckers of their homes;
but my father uttered a low warning.

"Stand fast. Not till I say _fire_. Never mind your homes, my lads,
we'll soon raise better ones, and your wives and children are all safe.
Wait."

There was a low growl as if so many bull-dogs were being held back from
their prey, and once more all was silent within.

Then there was a good deal of chattering and rushing, and the firing
parties came back to where their companions were waiting, and we knew by
the next order given that our time had come.

CHAPTER THIRTY NINE.

DESPERATE TIMES.

In my heat and excitement I wondered that my father did not order his
little company of men to begin firing at a time when every shot would
tell, for there was a feeling of rage within me, roused by the wanton
destruction of the cottages and every portion of the works that would
burn; but I had not learned all my lessons then, and how a just and
brave man, whether soldier or sailor, shrinks from destroying life until
absolutely obliged.

My father came upstairs for a minute about the time when I was thinking
this the most, and I could see a peculiarly hard stern look in his eyes
as the fire flashed through the window upon his face.

"Mind: no firing," he said, "until they attack, and I give the word."

I felt afterwards how right he was, but then it seemed almost cowardly.

I soon altered my opinion, for all at once the French leader came up to
the door and struck it with the hilt of his sword, as he exclaimed in
French:

"Now, Captain Duncan, surrender!"

No reply was given.

"Open this door and pass out the whole of the silver bars you have
there," was the next command, and this time my father answered:

"Come and take them if you can--_si vous os