The opposite, or western half of the edifice, was devoted to more homely uses.  It contained an eating-room and divers sleeping-rooms far the domestics and labourers, besides store-rooms, garners, and omnium gatherums of all sorts.  The vast ranges of garrets, too, answered for various purposes of household and farming economy.  All the windows, and sundry doors, opened into the court, while the whole of the exterior wall, both wooden and stone, presented a perfect blank, in the way of outlets.  It was the captain’s intention, however, to cut divers loops through the logs, at some convenient moment, so that men stationed in the garrets might command the different faces of the structure with their musketry.  But, like the gates, these means of defence were laid aside for a more favourable opportunity.

Our excellent matron was delighted with her domestic arrangements.  They much surpassed any of the various barracks in which she had dwelt, and a smile of happiness beamed on her handsome face, as she followed her husband from room to room, listening to his explanations.  When they entered their private apartments, and these were furnished and ready to receive them, respect caused the rest to leave them by themselves, and once more they found that they were alone.

“Well, Wilhelmina,” asked the gratified husband—­gratified, because he saw pleasure beaming in the mild countenance and serene blue eyes of one of the best wives living—­“Well, Wilhelmina,” he asked, “can you give up Albany, and all the comforts of your friends’ dwellings, to be satisfied in a home like this?  It is not probable I shall ever build again, whatever Bob may do, when he comes after me.  This structure, then, part house, part barrack, part fort, as it is, must be our residence for the remainder of our days.  We are hutted for life.”

“It is all-sufficient, Willoughby.  It has space, comfort, warmth, coolness and security.  What more can a wife and a mother ask, when she is surrounded by those she most loves?  Only attend to the security, Hugh.  Remember how far we are removed from any succour, and how sudden and fierce the Indians are in their attacks.  Twice have we, ourselves, been near being destroyed by surprises, from which accident, or God’s providence, protected us, rather than our own vigilance.  If this could happen in garrisons, and with king’s troops around us, how much more easily might it happen here, with only common labourers to watch what is going on!”

“You exaggerate the danger, wife.  There are no Indians, in this part of the country, who would dare to molest a settlement like ours.  We count thirteen able-bodied men in all, besides seven women, and could use seventeen or eighteen muskets and rifles on an emergency.  No tribe would dare commence hostilities, in a time of general peace, and so near the settlements too; and, as to stragglers, who might indeed murder to rob, we are so strong, ourselves, that we may sleep in peace, so far as they are concerned.”