Chapter 12 - Page 2

"I have closely studied the eye
of that lad, since his unaccountable entrance within the works, and little
do I find there that should teach us to expect confidence. It will be
happy if some secret understanding with those without, has not aided him
in passing the palisadoes, and that he prove not a dangerous spy on our
force and movements."

"In regard to that he hath entered the dwelling without sound of conch or
aid of postern, be no disturbed," returned the stranger with composure.
"Were it fitting, this mystery might be of easy explanation; but it may
truly need all our sagacity to discover whether he hath connection with
our foes! The mind of a native does not give up its secrets like the
surface of a vanity-feeding mirror."

The stranger, spoke like a man who wrapped a portion of his thoughts in
reserve, and his companion listened as one who comprehended more than it
might be seemly or discreet to betray. With this secret and yet equivocal
understanding of each other's meaning, they entered the dwelling, and soon
found themselves in the presence of those they sought.

The constant danger of their situation had compelled the family to
bring themselves within the habits of a methodical and severely-regulated
order of defense. Duties were assigned, in the event of alarm, to the
feeblest bodies and the faintest hearts; and during the moments which
preceded the visit of her husband, Ruth had been endeavoring to commit
to her female subordinates the several necessary charges that usage, and
more particularly the emergency of the hour, appeared so imperiously to
require.

"Hasten, Charity, to the block," she said; "and look into the condition of
the buckets and the ladders, that should the heathen drive us to its
shelter, provision of water, and means of retreat, be not wanting in our
extremity; and hie thee, Faith, into the upper apartments, to see that no
lights may direct their murderous aim at any in the chambers. Thoughts
come tardily, when the arrow or the bullet hath already taken its flight!
And now, that the first assault is over, Mark, and we may hope to meet the
wiles of the enemy by some prudence of our own, thou mayst go forth to thy
father. It would have been tempting Providence too rashly, hadst thou
rushed, unbidden and uninformed, into the first hurry of the danger. Come
hither, child, and receive the blessing and prayers of thy mother: after
which thou shalt, with better trust in Providence, place thy young person
among the combatants, in the hope of victory. Remember that thou art now
of an age to do justice to thy name and origin, and yet art thou of years
too tender to be foremost in speech, and far less in action, on such a
night as