A
few of the women dispersed among the dwellings in quest of the infirm
while all the boys of proper age were actively employed in transporting
indispensable articles from the village, within the palisadoes. As these
several movements were simultaneous, but a very few minutes elapsed
between the time when the orders were issued and the moment when they were
accomplished.
"I had intended that thou shouldst have had the charge in the meadows,"
said the stranger to Content, when nought remained to be performed, but
that which had been reserved for the last of the three little bands of
fighting men. "But as the work proceedeth bravely in that quarter, we will
move in company. Why doth this maiden tarry?"
"Truly I know not, unless it may be of fear. There is an opening for thy
passage into the fort, Martha, with others of thy sex."
"I will follow the fighters that are about to march to the rescue of them
that remain in our habitation," said the girl, in a low but steady voice,
"And how know'st thou that such is the service intended for those here
arrayed?" demanded the stranger, with a little show of displeasure that
his military purposes should have been anticipated.
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