In case only a certain few succeeded in scaling the stockade we might overcome them, but at some expense to ourselves, and in time, if the red demons could be kept at their work, we would have beaten ourselves, so to speak. However, Master Bartlett was so convinced that there remained a breathing spell for us that he suggested to me the idea of allowing at least half the force to lie down and sleep, if that should be possible, and so I directed, but as for myself and Giles March, there was no desire for slumber--death seemed too near at hand. We were left unmolested perhaps an hour, and then the silence was broken as the sentinels on the eastern side discharged their muskets, when Elias Shendle, who was standing by my side, exclaimed, as we started forward: “They count on hammering at the same place until the stockade can be scaled.” Within ten minutes I had good reason for believing that Elias had spoken no more than the truth. Fully an hundred Indians suddenly burst out from the thicket, each carrying over his shoulder a log, and running at full speed, regardless of the fire which we poured in upon them. Throwing their burdens upon those which had previously been brought, they immediately retreated, strange to say, with a loss of only two of their number. Why our lads did not fire with greater accuracy of aim I fail even now to understand, and was not then minded to speculate upon it, because I saw plainly the plan which the enemy had in view for the capture of the fort. On that side nearest the river was a pile of logs extending nearly to the top of the stockade, and Master Bartlett said, as I leaned cautiously over to see what had been done: “They have made their preparations, lad, and I am of the mind that at the next assault we shall find ourselves overrun.” He had said only that which I already realized; but it irritated me that the fact should thus be put in words, and I said sharply, not with any intent to show disrespect to one of his age, but owing to my nervousness: “Of what avail is it that we continually speculate upon the time when the end shall come? If they succeed in gaining an entrance, it only remains for us to fight so long as we can hold our muskets.” “True, lad,” the old man said, thoughtfully; “but it strikes me that we have a duty to perform before that moment shall come.” “And what may it be?” I asked, in surprise. “If we fight until the last, refusing to surrender because of such mercy as those demons will show, _our_ end has come with but little pain; but how about those women and the children fastened in yonder blockhouse?” It was as if my heart ceased beating, for until that moment I had thought only of meeting death as a lad who was defending his home should meet it; but now I understood all too well that there was something more,--something of horror in which I would have no part, because of selfishly allowing myself to be put out of the world.