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Marryat, Frederick, 1792-1848

"Masterman Ready"

Tommy
was very busy, finishing all the breakfast which had been left, for
there was no one to check him as usual; Juno was busy outside, and was
very active and courageous. Mr. Seagrave had been employed making the
holes between the palisades large enough to admit the barrels of the
muskets, so that they could fire at the savages without being exposed;
while William and Ready, with. their muskets loaded, were on the
look-out for their approach.
"They are busy with the old house just now, sir," observed Ready, "but
that won't detain them long."
"Here they come," replied William; "and look, Ready, is not that one of
the women who escaped from us in the canoe, who is walking along with
the first two men? Yes, it is, I am sure."
"You are right, William, it is one of them. Ah! they have stopped; they
did not expect the stockade, that is clear, and it has puzzled them;
see how they are all crowding together and talking; they are holding a
council of war how to proceed; that tall man must be one of their
chiefs. Now, William, although I intend to fight as hard as I can, yet
I always feel a dislike to begin first; I shall therefore show myself
over the palisades, and if they attack me, I shall then fire with a
quiet conscience.


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