He had collected quite a large force
of his humble neighbors to assist him in his present emergency, and they
were now making their final arrangements to meet the assault.
The doctor was restless; but it was not on account of any fear of his
personal safety,--he was above that. The lonely and innocent being whom
he had undertaken to protect had filled his mind with a sense of
responsibility. A single day had been long enough for Emily to win a way
to his affections, and he had grown to regard her with the tender care
of a father. Occasionally he left his place at the bedside, and went to
the window, as if to assure himself that the attack had not already
commenced.
In front of the cottage a different sentiment prevailed among the motley
group there assembled. There were twenty men, including Hatchie, all
armed with rifle and bowie-knife, and every one anxious for the fight to
commence. Besides their arms, each man was provided with a small cord,
and a torch of pitch-wood, the end of which had been plentifully
besprinkled with turpentine.
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