'I do,' said Townley, 'and thankful I am to think I can be of service in this great emergency.'
Before dark all the most valuable portion of our stock was safely corraled, and silence, broken only by the occasional lowing of the cattle or the usual night sounds of farm life, reigned around and over the _estancia_.
Later on Townley stole quietly out, and betook himself to his station.
Still later on Yambo rode in and right up to the verandah of our chief sitting-room. The horse he bestrode was drenched in sweat. He had seen Indians in force; they were even now advancing. He had ridden for his life.
The order 'Every man to his quarters!' was now given.
The night which was to be so terrible and so memorable in the annals of Moncrieff's _estancia_ had begun. It was very still, and at present very dark. But by and by the moon would rise.
'A rocket, sir!' we heard Archie shout from his post as sentinel; 'a rocket from the south-western _puesto_.'
We waited, listening, starting almost at every sound. At length in the distance we could plainly hear the sound of horses' hoofs on the road, and before many minutes the first _puestero_ rode to the gate and was admitted. The men from the other _puestos_ were not far behind; and, all being safe inside, the gates were fastened and fortified by triple bars of wood.
All along the ditches, and out for many yards, was spread such a thorny spikework of pointed wood as to defy the approach of the cleverest Indian for hours at least.
While we waited I found time to run round to the drawing-room. There was no sign of fear on any face there, with the exception perhaps of that of poor Irish Aileen. And I could well believe her when she told me it was not for herself she cared, but for her 'winsome man.'
I was talking to them as cheerfully as I could, when I heard the sound of a rifle, and, waving them good-bye, I rushed off to my station.
Slowly the moon rose, and before many minutes the whole _estancia_ was flooded with its light. And how we thanked Heaven for that light only those who have been situated as we were now can fully understand.
Up it sailed between the dark whispering poplars. Never had these trees seemed to me more stately, more noble. Towering up into the starry sky, they seemed like sentinels set to guard and defend us, while their taper fingers, piercing heavenwards, carried our thoughts to One who never deserts those who call on Him in faith in their hour of need.