I was within a quarter of a mile of the house, when a native yell burst out ahead of me, followed by two shots.

I rode on and, when I got near the house, saw a lot of black fellows round it.
"Then came a flash from one of the upper windows, and I saw one of them roll over.

That was a satisfaction, for I knew they hadn't caught my father asleep.

I knew the doors and shutters were strong, and that he could make a good fight of it.

Still, there was only him and my mother at home, for both the men had gone out before I left in the morning; and one man hasn't much chance of holding a house, attacked on all sides.