This was the luckless moment chosen by the foe to push
his advantage. A fierce burst of yells proclaimed the activity of the
assailants, and a general discharge from the loops of the block-house
sufficiently apprised those in the court that the onset of the enemy was
now pushed into the very heart of the defences. All had mounted, but the
few who lingered to discharge the melancholy duty to the dead. They were
too few to render resistance prudent, and yet too many to think of
deserting the distracted mother and her offspring without an effort.
"Enter," said Content, pointing to the door of the block. "It is my duty
to share the fate of those nearest my blood."
The stranger made no answer. Placing his powerful hands on the nearly
stupified husband, he thrust his person, by an irresistible effort, within
the basement of the building, and then he signed, by a quick gesture, for
all around him to follow. After the last form had entered, he commanded
that the fastenings of the door should be secured, remaining himself, as
he believed, alone without.
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