"They may or may not venture again to attack us, but if they do, and succeed, we can expect no mercy at their hands," he said. "We could have expected none, at all events, I believe," observed Mr Twigg. Some of the garrison, who had a lower sense of honour than Mr Ferris, were not so well satisfied with his decision, and declared that if they had had their will they would have given up the overseer to Cudjoe, though they took care not to utter such an opinion in his hearing. The position of the garrison was now truly critical. The shots uselessly fired had expended several of the few rounds, now of such inestimable value. The lieutenant, on making inquiries, found that some of the men had only a single charge apiece; none had more than two. Should another attack be made, what hope had they of beating off the foe? He did not conceal the state of affairs from the gentlemen. "Then our best chance will be to sally out at once and fight our way towards Walton," said Mr Twigg. "Unless our friends should appear to our relief we should be surrounded and cut to pieces," answered the lieutenant. "When the blacks find that we have no powder, they will attack us with greater confidence. We may still hold out for some hours in the house, and as the enemy are not as yet aware of our want of ammunition, they may possibly not again venture on an assault." "But if they do?" asked Mr Twigg. "Then we must reserve each bullet for the most daring among them. If we can shoot their leaders, the rest will probably take to flight." "But if we fail, and should they force their way in?" asked the planter, whose spirits were sinking as he thought of the fearful danger to which his family were exposed. "Then, sir, we must endeavour to drive them out again with our cutlasses and bayonets; or, if the worst happens, place ourselves round the ladies and children, and fight to the last," answered the lieutenant in a confident tone. "Though my sword-arm cannot serve me, I can use a pike or bayonet." Mrs Twigg had heard of what had taken place, and began to suspect their desperate condition. She imparted her apprehensions to Ellen and Fanny, though neither of them showed any signs of fear. "I wish that I could use a pistol or sword," exclaimed Fanny; "but surely we can do something. We can hurl stones or logs of wood down on the heads of our assailants from the windows or roof." "I will help you," cried Ellen, inspired by her friend's courage. "Let us get them carried up at once, in case they are wanted. There are paving-stones which can be dug up and broken into fragments, or pieces of the heavy furniture will serve the purpose. We will at once tell Mr Twigg what we are ready to do." They hurried into the room where the gentlemen were assembled.