outwards, as many sides of a hollow square, the mode of
defence invariably adopted by the Governor in all cases
of sudden alarm. The vacant space, which communicated
with the powder magazine, was left open to the movements
of three three-pounders, which were to support each face
in the event of its being broken by numbers. Close to
these, and within the square, stood the number of gunners
necessary to the duty of the field-pieces, each of which
was commanded by a bombardier. At the foot of the ramparts,
outside the square, and immediately opposite to their
several embrasures, were stationed the gunners required
for the batteries, under a non-commissioned officer also,
and the whole under the direction of a superior officer
of that arm, who now walked to and fro, conversing in a
low voice with Major Blackwater. One gunner at each of
these divisions of the artillery held in his hand a
blazing torch, reflecting with picturesque yet gloomy
effect the bright bayonets and equipment of the soldiers,
and the anxious countenances of the women and invalids,
who, bending eagerly through the windows of the surrounding
barracks, appeared to await the issue of these preparations
with an anxiety increased by the very consciousness of
having no other parts than those of spectators to play
in the scene that was momentarily expected.

In a few minutes from the falling in of the officers with
their respective companies, the clank of irons was heard
in the direction of the guard-room, and several forms
were seen slowly advancing into the area already occupied
as we have described. This party was preceded by the