laid out around the strong-hold, as it would be very unmilitary,
indeed, to let the foe get near enough to the foot of the walls to mine them.
Chevaux de frise would keep the cavalry in check, and as for the artillery,
redoubts should be thrown up, under cover of yon woods. Strong skirmishing
parties, moreover, would be exceedingly serviceable in retarding the march of
the enemy, and these different huts, if properly picketted and ditched, could be
converted into very eligible positions for that object.«
    »Whe-e-e-w! Quarter Master. And who the d--l, is to find all the men to
carry out such a plan?«
    »The King, out of all question, Master Cap. It is his quarrel, and it's just
he should bear the burthen o' it.«
    »And we are only six! This is fine talking, with a vengeance. You could be
sent down to the shore, to oppose the landing, Mabel might skirmish with her
tongue at least, the soldier's wife might act chevaux de frise, to entangle the
cavalry, the corporal should command the entrenched camp, his three men could
occupy the five huts, and I would take the block-house. Whe-e-e-w, you describe
well, Lieutenant, and should have been a limner, instead of a soldier!«
    »Na - I've been very literal and upright in my exposition of matters. That
there is no greater force here, to carry out the plan, is a fault of His
Majesty's ministers, and none of mine.«
    »But, should an enemy really appear,« asked Mabel, with more interest than
she might have shown, had she not remembered the guest in the hut; »what course
ought we to pursue?«
    »My advice would be to attempt to achieve that, Pretty Mabel, which rendered
Xenophon so justly celebrated.«
    »I think you mean a retreat, though I half guess at your allusion.«
    »You've imagined my meaning from the possession of a strong native sense,
young lady. I am aware that your worthy father has pointed out to the corporal,
certain modes and methods by which he fancies this island could be held, in case
the French should discover its position; but the excellent serjeant, though your
father, and as good a man in his duties as ever wielded a 'spontoon, is not the
great Lord Stair, or even the Duke of Marlborough. I'