They are at their work; we
may expect them here soon."
"Well, they'll find us prepared when they do come," rejoined Mr. Walters.
"What do you propose?" asked Mr. Ellis. "Are we to fire on them at once, or
wait for their attack?"
"Wait for their attack, by all means," said he, in reply;--"if they throw
stones, you'll find plenty in that room with which to return the
compliment; if they resort to fire-arms, then we will do the same; I want
to be strictly on the defensive--but at the same time we must defend
ourselves fully and energetically."
In about an hour after this conversation a dull roar was heard in the
distance, which grew louder and nearer every moment.
"Hist!" said Esther; "do you hear that noise? Listen! isn't that the mob
coming?"
Mr. Walters opened the shutter, and then the sound became more distinct. On
they came, nearer and nearer, until the noise of their voices became almost
deafening.
There was something awful in the appearance of the motley crowd that, like
a torrent, foamed and surged through the streets. Some were bearing large
pine torches that filled the air with thick smoke and partially lighted up
the surrounding gloom. Most of them were armed with clubs, and a few with
guns and pistols.
As they approached the house, there seemed to be a sort of consultation
between the ringleaders, for soon after every light was extinguished, and
the deafening yells of "Kill the niggers!" "Down with the Abolitionists!"
were almost entirely stilled.
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