No confusion here in the fort. The men were all in, the other
spear-armed corps of at least five hundred were hidden in the bush at
the base of the mountain side. Inside everything was being conducted as
quietly and regularly as--as--well, as a marriage in church.
But looking seaward, even without the aid of a glass, the great Armada
could be seen approaching.
Huge black many-paddled war canoes, forty in all, and probably with
fifty men in each, or nearly a thousand altogether.
Nearer and nearer they swept with many a wild or warlike shout that was
meant to strike terror into the hearts of the Flower Islanders. They
were soon so near that the rattling of their spears as they struck them
against their big shields could be distinctly heard.
So near now that with a small opera-glass which the doctor carried, he
could see their painted skins and faces, and the red and horrible
streaks.
And now it was time to fire the first gun. A shot or shell would have
carried much further, but grape would be ever so much more demoralising.
Dickson himself trained that gun on the foremost or leading boat.
The surprise of the enemy was indeed great. Never had they seen a gun
fired before, nor heard the roar of one. But yonder on shore and in
front of the barricaded fort they could see a balloon of white smoke,
with a stream of red fire in the centre. Then the roar of that piece of
ordnance was appalling. Next moment the crowded boat or war canoe was
filled with corpses and the shrieking, bleeding wounded. But she was in
splinters, and quickly filled and sank. The other boats lay on their
paddles for a minute, uncertain what to do.
Meanwhile, and just as Reginald was quickly sponging out the gun
previous to reloading, and all was silent for a time, a curious thing
occurred.
In at the tiny back door of the fort, which had not yet been closed,
rushed a tiny, laughing figure, all in white and barefooted. It was
Matty, and in jumped honest Oscar next. She was laughing merrily.
"Oh!" she cried, clapping her hands with glee. "They put me to bed, but
I dot up again and runned away twickly, and I'se come to 'ssist!"
"Oh, my darling!" cried Reginald, in great concern, "why did you come?"
"I can tally (carry) tartridges and powder."
"No, no, no, dear. You must obey me. Here, there is my coat, and in
that corner you must sit till all the fight is over."