"That's right, old fellow!" cried Horace, clapping his cousin on the shoulder. "We shall muster pretty strong;—papa, Brother Edward, Mr. Lilburn, you and I—six able-bodied men within the fortress, with plenty of the best small arms and ammunition; all of us fair shots, too, some excellent marksmen—we ought to do considerable execution among our assailants."
"And God being on our side," said Mr. Lilburn, reverently, "we may have strong hope of being able to beat them back."
"Yes, 'the race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the strong,'" remarked Mr. Dinsmore. "'Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.'"
"And if we do so truly, fully, he will take hold of shield and buckler and stand up for our help," added Mr. Travilla.
The plan of defense was next discussed, but not fully decided upon; it was agreed that that could be done most readily upon the spot, and that accordingly Mr. Dinsmore and the two young men should ride over to Ion shortly after breakfast, to view the ground and consult again with the other two.
"Why not return with us and breakfast at Ion?" asked Elsie.
"Why not stay and breakfast with us?" said Rose.
"Certainly," said her husband. "Take off your hat, daughter, and sit down to your father's table as of old."
"Ah, my little ones! I know they are watching now for mamma and wondering at her long delay."
"Then I shall not detain, but rather speed you on your way," he said, leading her out and assisting her to mount her horse.