How Captain Smithers made Plans.
There was plenty to do to make the little fort secure, and well the men worked. Double their number would not have been too strong a garrison, for the Malays mustered thickly now on all sides, save that nearest the ship, whose heavy guns had taught them the risk of making any display of their presence.
Captain Smithers would have gladly joined forces with Lieutenant Johnson, but he was not surprised at his reply, and he could only condole with him in respect to the accident that had occurred to the steamer, one which would partly place it hors de combat until some flood should cause a rise in the water of the river.
The men vied with each other in executing the orders that were given, and in a short time the mess-room and quarters were so strengthened that once within, the men felt that the only enemy they had to fear was fire, and that they hoped to avoid by means of their rifles, and, if needs be, their bayonets.
It was a terrible time for the women, many of whom had husbands with the expedition; but knowing as they did that the major’s lady was in the same position as themselves, they tried hard to follow her calm and patient example.
It was only an outward calm though, for poor Mrs Major Sandars was suffering keenly, though she tried hard and successfully to speak words of comfort to Rachel Linton and her cousin, both of whom went about with her, talking to the soldiers’ wives, and trying to amuse the children, who at times grew impatient at being forced to keep inside the walls of the barracks, the outer enclosure having been long declared unsafe.
Captain Smithers had sought the ladies, and spoken a few words of encouragement to them, gazing very hard at Miss Linton as he said,—
“You may rely upon us, Miss Linton. I would lay down my life sooner than harm should befall you.”
“I am quite satisfied of that, Captain Smithers,” said the lady, quietly. “I believe that of the meanest man here. In the meantime, I presume that you would like us all to keep within the walls.”
“Yes, if you please, Miss Linton,” said the young officer, coldly; and then, as he walked away, he muttered, “Yes, she believes that of the meanest soldier, and thinks as much of him as of me.”