“She were loaded this time, master,” he said fiercely, “and some on ’em knowed it.—How many did you bring down, Master ’Temus?”
“Don’t know,” said the boy huskily, as he hurriedly reloaded.
“Yer needn’t be ashamed to say, my lad,” cried the old gardener. “We’re fighting for ladies, and agen savage wretches as won’t let honest folk alone. There, I’m ready for another now.”
“Don’t fire till they attack,” said the captain. “Do you hear, Norman: no waste.”
“I hear, father,” said the boy quietly, as he stood with his piece resting in the opening, and his bronzed face on the watch.
“Hurray!” came from the back, and at the same moment Norman shouted: “They’re retiring, father;” and then a low sobbing came from the inner room.