We were saved!
The savages not killed had fled away, but of all that band scarce a quarter lived to tell the tale.
A great cheer went up from the crowd within the block, when it was seen what had occurred. Men cast their muskets aside, embraced their wives and kissed their little ones.
“May the Lord bless you,” said Carteret to me, “it was you who saved us.”
“Aye! Aye! A cheer for Captain Amherst!” cried several men. They gave it, crowding about, trying to clasp me by the hand.
“It was nothing--nothing,” I protested, “any one of you would have done the same, had you the chance.”
But they would not have it so, and, at length, weary of the praise, I slipped away, to resume my own civilized dress.
The women busied themselves getting a late supper, which was eaten with thankful hearts. After it was over, Lucille made me tell her all that had taken place.
“And who carried[carried] out the powder?” she asked when I had finished.
“That was a small matter,” I said. “Having a little strength, more, perhaps, than some of the others, I did it,” was my answer.