The rest of
us waited no urgings, but were to our posts on the run.
I saw M. Radisson passing fife, piccolo, trumpet, and drum to the two
tatterdemalion lads of our army.
"Now blow like fiends when I give the word," said he.
Across the courtyard, single file, marched the New Englanders from
barracks to boat. La Chesnaye leading with drawn sword, the marquis
following with pointed musket.
Foret and La Chesnaye then mounted guard at the gate. The sailor of
our company was heaping cannon-balls ready for use. Jack Battle
scoured the fort for odd headgear. M. de Radisson was everywhere,
seizing papers, burying ammunition, making fast loose stockades,
putting extra rivets in hinges, and issuing quick orders that sent Jack
Battle skipping to the word. Then Jack was set to planting double rows
of sticks inside on a level with the wall. The purpose of these I
could not guess till M. Radisson ordered hat, helmet, or cap clapped
atop of each pole.
Oh, we were a formidable army, I warrant you, seen by any one mounting
the drift to spy across our walls!
But 'twas no burlesque that night, as you may know when I tell you that
Governor Brigdar's forces played us such a trick they were under
shelter of the ship before we had discovered them.
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