"If I might be permitted to advise," Charlie said, "every available
man in the town should be set to work, at once, pulling down all the
buildings around the walls. It would be clearly impossible to defend
the place when the ramparts are, on all sides, commanded by the
musketry fire of surrounding buildings."
"I know what my duty is, sir," Captain Minchin said, "and do not
require to be taught it, by so very young an officer as yourself."
"Very well, sir," Charlie replied, calmly. "I have seen a great deal
of service, and have taken part in the defence of two besieged towns;
while you, I believe, have never seen a shot fired. However, as you're
in command you will, of course, take what steps you think fit; but I
warn you that, unless those buildings are destroyed, the fort cannot
resist an assault for twenty-four hours."
Then, bowing quietly, he retired; and returned to Mr. Haines' house.
That gentleman was absent, having gone to the governor's. He did not
come back until late in the evening. Charlie passed the time in
endeavouring to cheer up Mrs. Haines, and her daughter; assuring them
that, if the worst came to the worst, there could be no difficulty in
their getting on board ship.
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