Matches were burning, the cocks of the fusees raised, and the Virginians stood cool and undaunted.
There came a puff of smoke from the palisades at Jamestown, a heavy report of a cannon, and an iron ball struck the earth-work.
"Come down, general!" cried the thoughtful Mr.Lawrence.

"You endanger your life up there." Bacon paid no heed to the warning.

He was watching the manoeuvres of the enemy, about eight hundred strong, who were about to assault him.

Robert Stevens sprang to his side, and both smiled at the lack of courage and discipline which Berkeley's longshoremen displayed.

Giles Peram, at the head of the company, marched forth.