He immediately threw down the pole, and opened it just as
Ready called him by name. William seized his musket and sprang out; he
found Ready struggling with a savage, who was uppermost, and with his
spear at Ready's breast. In a second William levelled and fired, and
the savage fell dead.
"Take the water in quick, William," said Ready in a faint voice. "I
will contrive to crawl in if I can."
William caught up the barrico of water, and took it in; he then
hastened to Ready, who was on his knees. Mr. Seagrave, hearing the
musket fired, had run out, and finding the stockade door open, followed
William, and seeing him endeavouring to support Ready, caught hold of
his other arm, and they led him tottering into the stockade; the door
was then immediately secured, and they went to his assistance.
"Are you hurt, Ready?" said William.
"Yes, dear boy, yes; hurt to death, I fear: his spear went through my
breast. Water, quick, water!"
"Alas! that we had some," said Mr. Seagrave.
"We have, papa," replied William; "but it has cost us dearly."
William ran for a pannikin, and taking out the bung, poured some water
out of the barrico and gave it to Ready, who drank it with eagerness.
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