We have a good stock of ammunition, but it is as well not to waste it.

I will leave you in command at present, Doolan." Major Hannay then went down to the storeroom.
"I have come to relieve you from your confinement, ladies," he said.

"I am glad to say that we find their balls will not penetrate the walls of the house alone, and there is therefore no fear whatever of their passing through them and the garden wall together; therefore, as long as the wall is intact, there is no reason whatever why you should not remain on the floor above." There was a general exclamation of pleasure.
"That will be vastly better, uncle," Isobel said; "it is hateful being hidden away down here when we have nothing to do but to listen to the firing; we don't see why some of us should not go up on the terrace to load the rifles for you." "Not at present, Isobel; we are not pressed yet.

When it comes to a real attack it will be time to consider about that.

I don't think any of us would shoot straighter if there were women right up among us in danger." "I don't at all see why it should be worse our being in danger than for you men, Major," Mrs.Doolan said; "we have just as much at stake, and more; and I warn you I shall organize a female mutiny if we are not allowed to help." The Major laughed.
"Well, Mrs.Doolan, I shall have to convert this storeroom into a prison, and all who defy my authority will be immured here, so now you know the consequence of disobedience." "And has no one been hurt with all that firing, Major Hannay ?" Mary Hunter asked.
"A good many people have been hurt, Miss Hunter, but no one on our side.
I fancy we must have made it very hot for those at the guns, and the Doctor and Mr.Farquharson have been teaching them not to climb trees.
At present that firing you hear is against those who are hiding in the gardens." An hour later the firing ceased altogether, the natives finding the fire of the defenders so deadly that they no longer dared, by discharging a rifle, to show where they were hiding.