The spears now rushed through the air, and it was well that they could
fire from the stockade without exposing their persons, or they would
have had but little chance. The yells increased, and the savages now
began to attack on every quarter; the most active, who climbed like
cats, actually succeeded in gaining the top of the palisades, but, as
soon as their heads appeared above, they were fired at with so true an
aim that they dropped down dead outside. This combat lasted for more
than an hour, when the savages, having lost a great many men, drew off
from the assault, and the parties within the stockade had time to
breathe.
"They have not gained much in this bout, at all events," said Ready;
"it was well fought on our side, and William, you certainly behaved as
if you had been brought up to it."
"Do you think they will go away now?" said Mrs. Seagrave.
"Oh, no, madam, not yet; they will try us every way before they leave
us. You see these are very brave men, and it is clear that they know
what gunpowder is, or they would have been more astonished."
"I should think so too," replied Mr. Seagrave; "the first time that
savages hear the report of firearms, they are usually thrown into great
consternation.
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