mongst the people in the fort, and I began
to think that they intended to give us leg; so I kept a good look-out. I
crept close to the edge of the ditch, and listened. I could hear voices,
but not distinctly what they said. I was observed from the fort, and
nearly paid dear for my peeping. Several shots were fired, one of which
struck close to my head. I moved my quarters to a more safe place; and,
from the neighing of horses, it was pretty evident to me that they were
on the bit: but, as I was no reservoir of news, I took good care to keep
my opinion to myself, until the thing became more certain. Five minutes
after, I saw some of them outside of the fort, on horseback, waiting to
assemble in force, before they attempted to break through our mounted
cavalry, which formed a chain of sentinels round this side. It was
imagined impossible that they could make their escape. I communicated
what I had seen to the commanding officer of the protecting party, who
had a hundred native men under his command, which would, in all
probability, have been sufficient to have stopped them; for, no doubt,
they did not intend to go empty-handed away, but laden with gold mohurs.
When I first communicated this intelligence to the officer on duty, he
politely said it was only fancy--they were no flinchers. I told him that
I could see them coming out; but he replied, sarcastically, "Then why
don't you go and stop them? I will tell you what, Shipp--you are never
easy unless your head is in the cannon's mouth." At the first part of
this reproof I got terribly nettled, and warmly replied, "Had I your
means, Captain Brewer (alluding to the men under his command), I would
stop them; but, as my men have only their pickaxes and shovels, it would
be an act of pure madness to attempt such a thing; though it is by no
means clear to me that I could not even stay their flight with these
poor means." At this he instantly flew into a rage, and said, "Pray,
Sir, what do you mean to insinuate by what you have this moment given
utterance to?"--"My dear Brewer," said I, "you know I am as poor as the
inside of a sentry-box, and it is really a pity to see these fellows
under our very noses, walking off with the coin." He smilingly replied,
"That's true; and I will prevent it if possible." So on we marched at
double-quick; and, all I could do and say, I could not prevent my men,
armed, as they were, with pickaxes and shovels, from following me. I
threatened to cut t