"
"You will find the apartment above, like this below, merely provided for
the security of the unoffending dwellers of the habitations," said
Content; while he quietly arranged the ladder before the trap, and then
led the way himself to the floor above.
"Here have we loops for the musketoons," cried the stranger, looking about
him, understandingly, "and reasonable defences against shot. Thou hast not
forgotten thy art, Captain Heathcote, and I consider myself fortunate in
having entered thy fortress by surprise, or I should rather say, in amity,
since the peace is not yet broken between us. But why have we so much of
household gear in a place so evidently equipped for war?"
"Thou forgettest that women and children may be driven to this block for a
residence," replied Content. "It would show little discretion to neglect
matters that might be useful to their wants."
"Is there trouble with the savages?" demanded the stranger, a little
quickly; "the gossips of the Colony bade us fear nothing on that head."
"One cannot say at what hour creatures trained in their wild natures may
choose to rise.
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