|
Main
- books.jibble.org
My Books
- IRC Hacks
Misc. Articles
- Meaning of Jibble
- M4 Su Doku
- Computer Scrapbooking
- Setting up Java
- Bootable Java
- Cookies in Java
- Dynamic Graphs
- Social Shakespeare
External Links
- Paul Mutton
- Jibble Photo Gallery
- Jibble Forums
- Google Landmarks
- Jibble Shop
- Free Books
- Intershot Ltd
|
books.jibble.org
Previous Page
| Next Page
Page 27
Giving his own low whistle of recall, he was answered
from the opposite direction, and in a few minutes Cass
and Jackson made their appearance.
These latter were, briefly questioned whether they had
seen anything, and great was the anxiety of all when it
was known that they had also heard in the orchard but in
a fainter manner, what had attracted the attention of
Green and Philips in the garden.
"Why didn't you give the signal then, as directed?"
"Because," answered Cass, "We weren't quite sure about
it, and feared the whistle might tell the Injins, if any
were near, our whereabouts."
Scarce had this explanation been given, when the attention
of all was arrested by a loud clear shout of the corporals'
name, evidently uttered by Collins.
"Into the house--into the house," exclaimed the same
voice. "The Injins are creeping up to you."
As these words came ringing upon the silence of the night
the dull steps in rapid advance through the two enclosures
were now distinctly heard, while the flash of a gun fired
in their rear, lighted up the forms of three or four
savages, gliding up to them by the pathway by which the
corporal had come.
The danger was imminent, the necessity for securing the
important position imperative, and without waiting for
the order of their superior, or even uttering a word,
the whole of the party, acting upon the caution of Collins,
made a rush towards the front entrance of the house,
which they gained at the very moment when the rattling
of the snake-fences, and the total overthrow of the slight
enclosure, announced that their enemies were thus near
in pursuit.
Fortunately the door was wide open, so that they had all
passed in, when the Indians on either flank, as though
by previous arrangement, poured in their cross fire,
towards that common centre, without, however, striking
anything but the logs.
Terrific and continuous yells succeeded, and well was it
that, with cool promptitude, the corporal had sought,
and found behind the door, where he knew they were usually
kept, the strong bars, three in number, that secured the
heavy panels, for as many of the Indians as could find
room to act together, now applied their shoulders to the
frame with such violence, that but for those timely
safeguards, it must have yielded. During more than five
minutes they persevered in their efforts, the men waiting
anxiously in attitude of preparation for the result, when
all at once they ceased, and their footsteps were heard
cautiously retiring.
"Quick, look to the back-door, two of you," commanded
the corporal in an eager, but low tone, "they are going
round; there, if that is not secured we are lost."
Green and Philips sprang forward towards the point
indicated, but the latter in his excitement stumbled
heavily against something, and fell at his length upon
the floor, exclaiming: "I've fallen over a dead man, and
am half drowned in his blood."
His companion who had escaped this obstruction, had
scarcely time to assure the corporal that the back door
was already barred, a fact which he had discovered by
dint of feeling, when the latch was first heard gently
tried, then the door violently assaulted. Another loud
and angry yell from the Indians announced their
disappointment, then several shots were fired at the
door, and two or three balls could be heard dropping and
rolling upon the floor, after having passed through the
heavy planks.
Previous Page
| Next Page
|
|