Jacques, who had remained with the English, was very sorry to hear what the French proposed doing; he promised, however, to fight on the side of his friends. Ten muskets, and a small supply of powder and ball, had been brought from the wreck. Of these the Frenchman were not aware, but as there was very little ammunition, it would soon be exhausted, and then numbers would prevail.
Chapter Twelve.
The Arrival of the “Arethusa”—The French taken Prisoners—David becomes a Midshipman—The Fight and Victory—Joy at Home—The End.
Captain Rymer had taken the precaution of throwing up a breastwork round the camp, which might assist him in repelling any attack of the Frenchmen. “Though my countrymen will kill me if they discover I have warned you, I would rather die than that you should be taken by surprise,” exclaimed Pierre, as he was helped over the parapet.
“We hope that we shall be able to protect you,” said Harry, who with David had been on guard some time.
“Never fear; we have firearms, and your countrymen are without them. If they come, they will receive a warmer reception than they expect.”
A few minutes afterwards a number of persons were seen stealing towards the camp, and evidently hoping to take the company by surprise. “Silence!” said Captain Rymer to his companions, “we will let them suppose that we are asleep, and then, if we suddenly start up and fire a musket or two over their heads they will become so alarmed that they will perhaps desist from the attack.” This plan was followed out. The Frenchmen were evidently somewhat startled at finding that those they had come to attack were better armed than themselves.
“Now, Pierre, tell them that if they come on many of them will be killed,” said Captain Rymer; “we don’t wish to injure them, but we are resolved not to yield to their demand.”