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even, Carew." "And how many are fit to travel, on foot or on sledges?" He reflected for a moment, looking at me with surprise. "Two will die before night," he said, "and a third is in a bad way. The other four might make a shift on snowshoes." "It is better than I expected," said I. "And now for my plan. This house, with its loopholes and heavy shutters, was constructed for such an emergency as the present. I suggest that we at once move in the wounded, three or four sledges, all the powder and ball and a quantity of provisions. If the attack comes, and we see that we can't repulse it, we will all take shelter here, and in time to withdraw the men from other points. The house is practically fireproof, and I am sure we can hold it for a week or more, if need be." "It would catch fire from the outbuildings," suggested the doctor. "The Indians won't burn those," said I. "They will save them for their own protection." "And how is the siege of the house to end?" asked Menzies. "Do you expect the Indians to withdraw, or do you count on aid arriving?" "I admit there is no chance of either." I replied. "My idea is this. The inside of the inclosure is already deep under a frozen drift, and from the look of the weather there will be more snow in plenty within a few hours. We will excavate a tunnel beneath it, starting from one of the little windows that give air to the cellar, and leading to some part of the south stockade. Then in a day or two, when the night is dark and other conditions favorable, what is to prevent us from making our escape unseen to the forest, and by quick traveling gain Fort York?" "The Indians would break into the tunnel while prowling about," said Dr. Knapp. "We won't make it high enough for that." I replied stoutly, "and, besides, the crust will be too hard." "It's a sound plan!" exclaimed Captain Rudstone. "Ay, I'm of the same mind," added Carteret. "It's well worth the trying. And it's that or a bloody massacre--there are no two ways about it." "It seems a cowardly thing," grumbled Menzies, "to yield the redskins all but this house, and then slink away from that under cover of darkness and by a trick. A rich lot of the company's property will fall into their hands!" "True enough," said I bitterly, "and the old flag-will be hauled down for the first time in the records! But consider, sir; there is nothing else to be done! Carteret has given you the gist at the matter. And
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