"Oh, that we had some powder! I'd give my life for a keg of it!" exclaimed Colonel Sheppard, in despair. "Has every recess been searched?" "We ransacked the fort, sir; there is none here," was the reply. "I know where there is some," suddenly cried Major Zane. "In my cabin yonder there is a small keg of it; enough for us all. I had forgotten it until this moment. I'll go and get it." The cabin was some sixty yards from the gate, and within easy rifle range of the busy enemy. "'Tis sure death to venture there," cried the colonel; "besides, you are next in charge here. I cannot let you go." "Let me go!" cried McCullough. "Nay, you've done enough, and with your wounded arm you could not carry it. Besides, we need you." "Let me!" "I'll go," cried one and another, as the old colonel looked about him in an agony of indecision. "We need you all; I can't spare a man," he muttered, hoarsely. "I don't see how we can hold the walls against another assault, as it is, with but a dozen able men here. Was ever man in such a position?" "I will go, colonel," cried a clear voice from the women about the group of men. "Elizabeth!" exclaimed her brother. "Mistress Zane!" interrupted McCullough; "nay, you shall not. 'Tis no woman's work! I----" "Silence, sir!" interrupted the colonel. "Who commands this garrison? 'Tis not woman's work, indeed; but we can spare no men. I cannot risk a single rifle. The maid shall go, and God bless her! If she falls, why, she but anticipates the fate of the rest of us." "Elizabeth! Elizabeth!" cried McCullough, appealingly, still unconvinced; "you can't go! Think what your life is to me!" "No more than yours is to me, Master Hugh," she answered, bravely, "and yet you went." "Elizabeth, sister," cried Zane, "I can't let you go! You must not take this fearful risk!" "Nay, gentlemen," interrupted Elizabeth, stoutly, "I will go! Open the gate. Do you cover me with your rifles as best you can. Good-by." "Stay!" cried McCullough, grasping her by the arm. "Gentlemen, I love her and she loves me. Would you send away my promised wife? Must I see her killed before my eyes? Oh, let me try?" "Nay, you shall not!" said the girl, kissing him and suddenly thrusting him from her, crying, "Forgive me!" There was a flash of skirts through the open gate, and she was gone. Forgetful of his wounds, McCullough sprang to the top of the block-house nearest the gate. His own rifle in hand, and sweeping one or two others within reach, in spite of the pain from his injured arm, he knelt on the roof, peering eagerly down the hill.