I have no doubt that you will be able to do
that; of course the attack will be to windward if they use fire, and
you must try and escape to leeward; I have shown William how to force a
palisade if necessary. The savages, if they get possession, will not
think of looking for you at first, and, perhaps, when they have
obtained all that the house contains, not even afterwards."
"Why do you say if any accident happens to you, Ready?" said William.
"Because, William, if they place the faggots so as to be able to walk
to the top of the palisades, I may be wounded or killed, and so may
you."
"Of course," replied William; "but they are not in yet, and they shall
have a hard fight for it."
Ready then told Mr. Seagrave that he would keep the watch, and call him
at twelve o'clock. During these two days, they had eaten very little; a
turtle had been killed, and pieces fried, but eating only added to
their thirst, and even the children refused the meat. The sufferings
were now really dreadful, and poor Mrs. Seagrave was almost frantic.
As soon as Mr. Seagrave had gone into the house, Ready called William,
and said, "William, water we must have. I cannot bear to see the agony
of the poor children, and the state of mind which your poor mother is
in; and more, without water we never shall be able to beat off the
savages to-morrow.
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