“We have a strong house and brave defenders, and we need not be afraid of the rebels,” said the former in a quiet tone.
Meantime Mr Talboys, leaving us to defend the lower storey, mounted to the top of the house, where, keeping under shelter, he could take a look-out at whatever was going on below.
Presently we heard him shout, “Who are you, and what is it you want?”
“We free and independent people,” answered a voice from the crowd; “we want our rights. We no get dem, den we kill all de whites.”
“Much obliged for your kind intentions,” answered Mr Talboys. “There are two sides to that question, and you must look out not to be killed yourselves, which you will be, I promise you, if you attack us.”
“We see about dat,” one of the blacks shouted out.
Mr Talboys replied, and made what sounded to me so long a speech that I wondered the insurgents had patience to listen to it, till I discovered that his object was to prevent them as long as possible from recommencing hostilities. Like other brave men, being unwilling to shed blood, he would not allow any of us to fire until it should become absolutely necessary. He again asked the rebels what they wanted.
“We want our rights, dat’s what we want,” they shouted.
“That’s what all your friends in the island wish you to have, but you won’t get them by murdering the few white people in your power,” answered our host.
“Dat you say is true, Massa Talboys,” cried a black from the crowd.