It is needless to make any attempt at describing all that occurred during the long day which followed, for it would be but to repeat the words again and again. We kept vigilant watch, rewarded now and then by getting a shot at some painted fiend who incautiously exposed himself, and again being fired upon, but without result. Only twice before sunset did we have fair proof that our bullets had taken effect, and then, as in the first case, it was but a cry of pain which might more reasonably have been caused by a slight wound than a deadly one. We saw no white man, and this encouraged both Giles and myself, for, if the Indians were of the Mohawk tribe, they would not continue a siege very long, unless there were Tories near at hand to hold them to their work. When night came Giles and I took careful account of the provisions, fearing less than we had supposed was on hand, and, that done, we told off five of the party with orders that they lie down at once to sleep, for up to this time all had remained awake at least thirty-six hours. “We will divide the company into parties of four or five, that each may get an hour’s rest in turn,” I said to Giles, “and those who remain longest on duty must be kept constantly moving about, lest their eyes close despite their will. And now is it in your mind that we had best sit here idle?” He looked at me questioningly and in surprise, whereat I continued: “It is my belief that Elias may be trying to gain entrance here, and I beg that you, so long as is possible without rest, remain on the stockade just over the small gate, watching for him. I am going out.” “To what end?” he asked. “In the hope of finding him, and to learn the situation of affairs at Wintermoot’s. Failing in that, to carry word to our friends farther down the valley of what is being done here. Thus far we have escaped injury; but, in case they press us hard, it is not probable that we have such good luck during the next four and twenty hours.” I had expected Giles would protest; but, to my surprise and delight, he replied, quietly: “If you think it best that you go rather than I, do so, yet I would rather take the venture myself, although I question whether the danger be greater outside than in.” I took him by the hand, and did not speak. It was as if, during the past four and twenty hours, he and I had ceased to be lads, and were become men,--men who were entrusted with the defence of the women and the aged in the poorly fortified blockhouses in the valley below us. I am not minded that whomsoever reads these words shall believe I was eager to encounter danger, therefore do I set it down that there was a great fear in my heart as I unbarred the gate and stepped out, hearing Giles replace the fastenings which separated me from my comrades.