“It is a four pound ball,” the Major said, taking it up. “I fancy the guns are seven pounders. They have evidently no balls to fit, which accounts for the badness of their firing and the little damage they did; with so much windage the balls can have had but small velocity. Well, that is a satisfactory beginning, gentlemen; they will take a long time to knock the place about our ears at this rate. Now we will see if we cannot clear them out of the gardens. Captain Doolan, will you take the glasses and watch the battery; if you see any movement about the guns, the fire will be reopened at once; until then all will devote their attention to those fellows among the bushes; it is important to teach them that they are not safe there, for a chance ball might come in between the sandbags. Each of you pick out a particular bush, and watch it till you see the exact position in which anyone firing from it must be in, and then try to silence him. Don’t throw away a shot if you can help it. We have a good stock of ammunition, but it is as well not to waste it. I will leave you in command at present, Doolan.” Major Hannay then went down to the storeroom. “I have come to relieve you from your confinement, ladies,” he said. “I am glad to say that we find their balls will not penetrate the walls of the house alone, and there is therefore no fear whatever of their passing through them and the garden wall together; therefore, as long as the wall is intact, there is no reason whatever why you should not remain on the floor above.” There was a general exclamation of pleasure. “That will be vastly better, uncle,” Isobel said; “it is hateful being hidden away down here when we have nothing to do but to listen to the firing; we don’t see why some of us should not go up on the terrace to load the rifles for you.” “Not at present, Isobel; we are not pressed yet. When it comes to a real attack it will be time to consider about that. I don’t think any of us would shoot straighter if there were women right up among us in danger.” “I don’t at all see why it should be worse our being in danger than for you men, Major,” Mrs. Doolan said; “we have just as much at stake, and more; and I warn you I shall organize a female mutiny if we are not allowed to help.” The Major laughed. “Well, Mrs. Doolan, I shall have to convert this storeroom into a prison, and all who defy my authority will be immured here, so now you know the consequence of disobedience.” “And has no one been hurt with all that firing, Major Hannay?” Mary Hunter asked. “A good many people have been hurt, Miss Hunter, but no one on our side. I fancy we must have made it very hot for those at the guns, and the Doctor and Mr. Farquharson have been teaching them not to climb trees. At present that firing you hear is against those who are hiding in the gardens.”