Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1897-12-30
CHAPTER XXI.


As soon as Silver disappeared, the
captain. who had been closely watch
ing him, turned toward the interior Of
the house, and found not a man of US at
his post but Gray. II was the first time
we had ever seen him angry.
Quarters" he roared. And then, as
we all skunk back to our places, Gray"
he said, III put your name in the log;
you've stood by your duty like sea
man. Mr.. Trelawney. I'm surprised at
you, sir. Doctor. | thought you had
worn the kings coat If that was how
you served at Foutenoy, sir, you'd have
been better in your berth"
The doctors watch were all back at
their loop-holes. the rest were busy
loading the spare muskets, and every
one with a red face, you may be certain,
and flea in his ear, as the saying is.
The captain looked on for awhile in
silence. Then he spoke.
My lads" he said. I've given
Silver broadside. | pitched il in red
hot on purpose; aud before the hours
out. as he said. we shnll be boarded.
We're outnumbered. | needn't tell you
that, but we fight in shelter; and,
minute ago. ! should have said we
fought with discipline. I've no manner
of doubt that we can drub them. If you
choose"
Then he went the rounds. and saw.
as he said. that all was clear
On the two short sides of the house.
east and west, there were only two
loop-holes; on the south side where
the porch was, two again; and on the
north side five. There was a round
score Of muskets for tie seven of us:
the firewood had been built into four
piles-tables, you might say-one
about the middle OF each side. and on
each of these tables some ammunition
and four loaded muskets were laid
ready to the hand OF the defenders. In
the middle. the cutlasses lay ranged.
Toss out the fire" said the captain;
'the chill is past. and we mustn't have
smoke in our eyes"
The iron fire basket was carried
bodily out by Mr. Trelawncy. and the
emhers smothered among sand.
Hawkins hasn't had his breakfast
Hawkins, help yourself, and back 10
your post TO eat it." continued Capt.
Smollett. Lively. now. my lad; you'll
want it before you've done Hunter.
serve out round of brandy to all
hands"
And while this was going on the cap
tain completed. in his own mind. the
plan Of the defense
Doctor. YOU viii take the door," he
resumed. See and don't expose your.
self; keep within. and fire through the
porch. Hunter. take the east side.
there. Joyce, you stand by the west.
my man. Mr.. Trelawney. You are the
best shotgun and Gray take this long
north side, with the five loop-holes;
its there the danger is. II they can get
up TO it. and fire in upon us through
our own ports. things would begin to
look dirty. Hawkins. neither YOU nor
| are much account at the shooting:
Wen stand by to load and bear a hand
As the captain had said, the chill
was past. As soon as the sun had
climbed above our girdle of trees II
fell with all its force uaon the clear
ing and drank mp the vapors at
draught. Soon the sand was baking
and the resin melting in the logs of the
Jackets and coats were
flung aside; shirts were thrown open
at the neck and rolled up to the
shoulders; and we stood there, each at
his post, in a fever of heat and anxiety.