others; and the next instant the air
was rent by the most terrific shrieks and yells, which seemed to come
from all directions round the fort, while the voices of the officers
shouting out their orders, and the tramp of the soldiers, were heard as
they rushed to the ramparts.

"What can be the matter?" I exclaimed, as I crept from under my
mosquito-curtain.

"The fort has been attacked, and I much fear that the sentries have been
surprised," answered my uncle, who had at the same instant jumped up,
and was hurriedly putting on his clothes. I followed his example; and
we were thus engaged when Tim burst into the room.

"Quick, quick, Masther Concannan!--quick, Masther Barry, dear! and just
come along with me," he exclaimed. "There's not a moment to be lost;
the Indians are getting the best of it, and climbing over the walls in
thousands, like so many imps, and the soldiers, do all they can, can't
stop them."

"We must go and assist our friends," cried my uncle, buckling on his
sword and seizing his rifle.

"Oh, Masther Denis, now don't," exclaimed Tim; "you'll be kilt entirely
if you do that same. Come with me now; it's all up with the garrison,
but we may have still time to get on board the boat and shove off into
the lake. It's wiser to live and fight another day than get knocked on
the head by an Indian tomahawk; and that's sure to be the lot of one and
all of us if we stop."

Tim wrung his hands and leaped about in his agitation while speaking;
and then, apparently doubting whether his arguments would prevail with
my uncle, he seized my arm with one hand, while he picked up my gun and
various other articles with the other, and dragged me along, determined
at all events to try and save my life, though he might not induce my
uncle to make his escape.

The din had by this time greatly increased; the roar of the heavy guns,
the rattle of musketry, and the clashing of steel, were heard amid the
shrieks and shouts of the combatants. At first the reports of firearms
gave me hope that the garrison were driving back their assailants; but
suddenly the sound of the musketry ceased. Looking back, I was thankful
to see my uncle following, carrying his portmanteau on his shoulder and
my carpet-bag in his hand.

Tim took the way to the part of the fortifications nearest the
landing-place. We quickly scrambled over the intrenchments, and my
uncle, throwing his burdens to us, speedily followed. It was the only
spo