Thou hearest, by their yells,
that 'tis no small band of scouters who beleaguer us; a tribe hath sent
forth its chosen warriors to do their wickedness. Better is it that we
bestir ourselves to drive them from our door, and to prevent the further
annoyance of this cloud, since, to issue from the block, at this moment,
would be to offer our heads to the tomahawk; and to ask mercy is as vain
as to hope to move the rock with tears."
"And in what manner may we do this needful service?"
"Our muskets will still command the entrance, by means of these downward
loops, and water may be yet applied through the same openings. Thought
hath been had of this danger, in the disposition of the place."
"Then, of Heaven's mercy! delay not the effort."
The necessary measures were taken, instantly. Eben Dudley applied the
muzzle of his piece to a loop, and discharged it downward, in the
direction of the endangered door. But aim was impossible in the obscurity,
and his want of success was proclaimed by a taunting shout of triumph.
Then followed a flood of water, which however was scarcely of more
service, since the savages had foreseen its use, and had made a provision
against its effects by placing boards, and such vessels as they found
scattered among the buildings, above the fire, in a manner to prevent most
of the fluid from reaching its aim.
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