One never knows people, my dear, till one sees
them in trouble."
"Everyone is nice," Isobel said. "I have hardly heard a word of
complaint about anything since we came here, and everyone seems to
help others and do little kindnesses."
The enemy's fire had been very heavy all that day, and the breach
in the wall had been widened, and the garrison felt certain that
the enemy would attack on the following morning.
"You and Farquharson, Doctor, must stop on the roof," the Major
said. "In the first place, it is possible they may try to attack
by ladders at some other point, and we shall want two good shots
up there to keep them back; and in the second, if they do force
the breach, we shall want you to cover our retreat into the house.
I will get a dozen rifles for each of you loaded and in readiness.
Isobel and Mary Hunter, who have both volunteered over and over
again, shall go up to load; they have both practiced, and can load
quickly. Of course if you see that the enemy are not attacking
at any other point, you will help us at the breach by keeping up
a steady fire on them, but always keep six guns each in reserve.
I shall blow my whistle as a signal for us to retire to the house
if I find we can hold the breach no longer, so when you hear that
blaze away at them as fast as you can. Your twelve shots will check
them long enough to give us time to get in and fasten the door. We
shall be round the corner of the house before they can get fairly
over the breastwork.
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