s
duty."

"I think, sir," said Ready, "we had better not wait here any more, as we
have not long to prepare for them. We have only to fix up some of our
strong deal planks on the inside of the stockade for us to stand upon
when we are attacked, that we may see what the enemy is about, and be
able to fire upon them. But first we had better go to the old house,
and take out what provisions and other articles we shall most want, and
roll the casks into the stockade, for to the old house they will go
first, and perhaps destroy everything in it. The casks they certainly
will, for the sake of the iron hoops. An hour's work will do a great
deal. I believe we have everything we want in the stockade; Juno has
her fuel, the large butt of water will last us two or three weeks at
least, and if we have time, we will get the wheels down, and spear a
couple of turtles for fresh provisions."

These observations were made as they walked up to the house. As soon as
they arrived, they found William and Juno had just brought in the powder
and cartridges. Mr Seagrave went in to break the matter to his wife.

"I was told that I had to expect this, my dear," replied Mrs Seagrave,
"so that it has not come upon me altogether unawares, and anything that
a poor weak woman can do, I will."

"I am indeed greatly relieved," said Mr Seagrave, "by finding you thus
prepared and supported. I shall feel no anxiety--but we have work to be
done."

Mr and Mrs Seagrave then joined William, Ready, and Juno, who had
already proceeded to the old house. The children were all still in bed
and asleep, so that there was no occasion for any one to watch them.

CHAPTER SIXTY ONE.

As they could have a very good view of the canoes from where the old
house stood, Ready examined them with his glass every time that he
returned from rolling up a cask to the stockade. Every one worked hard;
even Mrs Seagrave did all she could, either assisting in rolling the
casks, or carrying up what she was able to lift. In an hour they had
got into the stockade all that they most cared for, and the canoes were
still about six or seven miles off.

"We have a good hour before they arrive, sir," said Ready, "and even
then the reefs will puzzle them not a little; I doubt if they are
disembarked under two hours. We have plenty of time for all we wish to
do. Juno, go for the wheels, and William, come down with the spear, and
we will have some of the turtle into the