When Reuben Ring joined the party of Dudley, the latter had just issued an
order to march to the support of those who still stoutly defended the
southern entrance of the village. The labor of securing necessaries was
not yet ended, and it was on every account an object of the last
importance to make good the hamlet against the enemy. The task, however,
was not as difficult as the force of the Indians might, at first, have
given reason to believe. The conflict, by this time, had extended to the
party which was headed by Content, and, in consequence, the Indians were
compelled to contend with a divided force. The buildings themselves, with
the fences and out-houses, were so many breast-works, and it was plain
that the assailants acted with a caution and concert, that betrayed the
direction of some mind more highly gifted than those which ordinarily fall
to the lot of uncivilized men.
The task of Dudley was not so difficult as before, since the enemy ceased
to press upon his march, preferring to watch the movements of those who
held the fortified house, of whose numbers they were ignorant, and of
whose attacks they were evidently jealous.
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