"He's watching the canoe, sure enough," Pearson said. Then came the
volley along the bushes on the shore, and they saw an Indian rise to
his feet.

"That's just where she lies!" Pearson exclaimed; "he's getting into
it. There! well done, young un."

The sudden disappearance of the Indian and the vengeful yell of the
hidden foe told of the failure of the attempt.

"I think they're safe, now, till nightfall. The Injuns won't care
about putting themselves within range of that 'ere rifle again."

Gradually the fire of the Indians ceased, and the defenders were able
to leave the loop-holes. Two of the men went down and fastened up the
cattle, which were still standing loose in the yard inside the
stockade; the other set to to prepare a meal, for Mrs. Welch could
not take her eyes off the canoe.

The afternoon seemed of interminable length. Not a shot was fired.
The men, after taking their dinner, were occupied in bringing some
great tubs on to the upper story and filling them to the brim with
water from the well. This story projected two feet beyond the one
below it, having been so built in order that, in case of attack, the
defenders might be able to fire down upon any foe who might cross the
stockade and attack the house itself; the floor boards over the
projecting portion were all removable. The men also brought a
quantity of the newly cut corn to the top of the house, first
drenching it with water.