We shall literally die of choking in the smoke, if
they use fire. Now, William, I intend to take one of the seven-gallon
barricos, and go down to the well for water. I may succeed, and I may
not, but attempt it I must, and if I fall it cannot be helped."
"Why not let me go, Ready?" replied William.
"For many reasons, William," said Ready; "and the chief one is that I
do not think you would succeed so well as I shall. I shall put on the
war-cloak and feathers of the savage who fell dead inside of the
stockade, and that will be a disguise, but I shall take no arms except
his spear, as they would only be in my way, and increase the weight I
have to carry. Now observe, you must let me out of the door, and when I
am out, in case of accident put one of the poles across it inside; that
will keep the door fast, if they attack it, until you can secure it
with the others. Watch my return, and be all ready to let me in. Do you
understand me?"
"Yes, perfectly, Ready; but I am now, I must confess, really
frightened; if anything was to happen to you, what a misery it would
be!"
"There is no help for it, William. Water must, if possible, be
procured, and now is a better time to make the attempt than later, when
they may be more on the watch; they have left off their work, and are
busy eating; if I meet any one, it will only be a woman.
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