He therefore
instructed his wife to withdraw into her chamber, while he took measures
to defend the dwelling in the last emergency. Without giving any
unnecessary alarm, a measure that would have produced less effect on an
enemy without, than the imposing stillness which now reigned within the
defences, he ordered two or three more of the stoutest of his dependants
to be summoned to the palisadoes. A keen scrutiny was made into the state
of all the different outlets of the place; muskets were carefully
examined; charges were given to be watchful, and regular sentinels were
stationed within the shadows of the buildings, at points where, unseen
themselves, they could look out in safety upon the fields.
Content then took his captive, with whom he had made no attempt to
exchange a syllable, and led him to the block-house: The door which
communicated with the basement of this building was always open, in
readiness for refuge in the event of any sudden alarm. He entered, caused
the lad to mount by a ladder to the floor above, and then withdrawing the
means of retreat, he turned the key without, in perfect confidence that
his prisoner was secure.
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