ADVENTURES IN LOUISIANA. 207 



hurrahs. Asa stood upon the bar, and raising the 

 pail above his head, poured the water out of the 

 chimney upon the roof. 



" ' More to the left, Asa,' said Righteous ; ' the fire 

 is strongest more to the left." 



" ' Tarnation seize it ! ' cried Asa, ' I can't see. 

 Hand me up another pailful.' 



" \Ve did so ; and when he had got it, he put his 

 head out at the top of the chimney to see where the 

 fire was, and threw the water over the exact spot. 

 But at the very moment that he did so the report of 

 a dozen muskets was heard. 



" ' Ha ! ' cried Asa in an altered voice, ' I have it.' 

 And the hams and bucket came tumbling down the 

 chimney, and Asa after them all covered with blood. 



" ' In God's name, man, are you hurt ? ' cried 

 Rachel. 



'"Hush! wife,' replied Asa; 'keep quiet. I 

 have enough for the rest of my life, which will not 

 be long : but never mind, lads ; defend yourselves 

 well, and don't fire two at the same man. Save your 

 lead, for you will want it all. Promise me that." 



" ' Asa ! my beloved Asa ! ' shrieked Eachel ; ' if 

 you die, I shall die too.' 



" ' Silence ! foolish woman ; and our child, and the 

 one yet unborn ! Hark ! I hear the Spaniards ! 

 Defend yourselves, and, Nathan, be a father to my 

 children.' 



I had barely time to press his hand and make him 



