COURAGE. 161 



from the windows of the first and second 

 floors. We had not stood long gazing 

 at the fire, before an alarm ran through 

 the crowd that there was gunpowder in 

 the house; and one of the assistants in 

 the shop came and whispered the fact to 

 my friend, who, having ascertained in 

 what part of the house it was deposited, 

 and the quantity, immediately cried out, 

 with a stentorian voice for that was a 

 gift dame nature had liberally bestowed 

 on him 



"Will any man go up with me, and 

 bring the powder down ? " 



I was standing by his side, and felt 

 as if the challenge was meant for me ; 

 but my heart sunk within me as I con- 

 templated the little chance of success. 

 A few seconds only elapsed before a 

 corporal of marines, who stood a few 

 yards from us, responded, "I will, sir!" 

 and came forward. 



" Don't pray, don't ! " said I to the first ; 



YOL. I. M 



