compelled to yield, and Ishmael
made a new disposition for the defence of the place; which was admitted,
by every one, to be all-important to their security and comfort.

He offered the post of commandant to Dr. Battius, who, however,
peremptorily and somewhat haughtily declined the doubtful honour;
exchanging looks of intelligence with Ellen, as he did so. In this
dilemma the squatter was obliged to constitute the girl herself
castellan; taking care, however, in deputing this important trust, to
omit no words of caution and instruction. When this preliminary point
was settled, the young men proceeded to arrange certain means of
defence, and signals of alarm, that were adapted to the weakness and
character of the garrison. Several masses of rock were drawn to the edge
of the upper level, and so placed as to leave it at the discretion of
the feeble Ellen and her associates, to cast them or not, as they
might choose, on the heads of any invaders, who would, of necessity,
be obliged to mount the eminence by the difficult and narrow passage
already so often mentioned. In addition to this formidable obstruction,
the barriers were strengthened and rendered nearly impassable. Smaller
missiles, that might be hurled even by the hands of the younger
children, but which would prove, from the elevation of the place,
exceedingly dangerous, were provided in profusion. A pile of dried
leaves and splinters were placed, as a beacon, on the upper rock, and
then, even in the jealous judgment of the squatter, the post was deemed
competent to maintain a creditable siege.

The moment the rock was thought to be in a state of sufficient security,
the party who composed what might be called the sortie, sallied forth on
their anxious expedition. The advance was led by Esther in person, who,
attired in a dress half masculine, and bearing a weapon like the rest,
seemed no unfit leader for the group of wildly clad frontiermen, that
followed in her rear.

"Now, Abiram;" cried the Amazon, in a voice that was cracked and
harsh, for the simple reason of being used too often on a strained and
unnatural key, "now, Abiram, run with your nose low; show yourself a
hound of the true breed, and do some credit to your training. You it was
that saw the prints of the Indian moccasin, and it behoves you, to let
others be as wise as yourself. Come; come to the front, man; and give us
a bold lead."

The brother, who appeared at all times to stand in awe of his