Page:Randall Parrish--My Lady of the South.djvu/214

MY LADY OF THE SOUTH without, and, if those engaged in the defence kept close to the floor, they were in little danger of being struck by stray bullets.

Satisfied at last that every point of vantage was occupied, I returned to the front hall, and, encouraged by the stillness without, detailed Masterson and O'Brien at attending to the wounded, with whatever materials they could find at hand. For the first time since the crash of that opening volley, I now had a moment for reflection, and sat down on the stairs, my mind busied in an endeavor to comprehend the situation. Those who had attacked us would be either Dunn's squad of Confederates, or Donald's irregulars, perhaps both. If the two commands were united they might be in sufficient force to keep us busy; anyway a sortie would be impracticable before daylight. Dunn, of course, would have merely a handful of men with him, as he anticipated no more serious duty than the guarding of a single prisoner; but the number of Donald's guerillas in the neighborhood could not be guessed, and, if they had rallied in any numbers, our besiegers might easily outnumber us two to one. Besides, they would be seasoned fighters, familiar with the ground, knowing all the tricks of night raiding. To be sure a delay until daylight might greatly increase the number of the enemy, as the scattered irregulars were drawn in, yet my own men would work with greater confidence when they could see the force opposing them. Besides, we were well protected here, with sufficient ammunition for a stubborn defence, and doubtless good enough in the house to sustain us for a day or two. [ 200 ]