cause the attack, if any such were meditated, to be deferred. He therefore
instructed his wife to withdraw into her chamber, while he took measures
to defend the dwelling in the last emergency. Without giving any
unnecessary alarm, a measure that would have produced less effect on an
enemy without, than the imposing stillness which now reigned within the
defences, he ordered two or three more of the stoutest of his dependants
to be summoned to the palisadoes. A keen scrutiny was made into the state
of all the different outlets of the place; muskets were carefully
examined; charges were given to be watchful, and regular sentinels were
stationed within the shadows of the buildings, at points where, unseen
themselves, they could look out in safety upon the fields.

Content then took his captive, with whom he had made no attempt to
exchange a syllable, and led him to the block-house: The door which
communicated with the basement of this building was always open, in
readiness for refuge in the event of any sudden alarm. He entered, caused
the lad to mount by a ladder to the floor above, and then withdrawing the
means of retreat, he turned the key without, in perfect confidence that
his prisoner was secure.

Notwithstanding all this care, morning had nearly dawned before the
prudent father and husband sought his pillow. His steadiness however had
prevented the apprehensions, which kept his own eyes and those of his
gentle partner so long open, from attending beyond the few whose services
were, in such an emergency, deemed indispensable to safety. Towards the
last watches of the night, only, did the images of the scenes through
which they had just passed, become dim and confused, and then both husband
and wife slept soundly, and happily without disturbance.