I planted the Union Jack on the flagstaff at the top
of the house, and I turned my bull terriers into the garden to give
notice of any approach. I locked up a little Syrian girl whom I had
taken into my service, and who was terribly frightened, in the safest
room; but my English maid, who was as brave as any man, I told off to
supply us with provisions and make herself generally useful. I then
rode down the hill to the American Mission and begged them to come up
and take shelter with me, and then into the village of Bludan to tell
the Christians to come up to me on the slightest sign of danger. I
gave the same message to the handful of Christians at Zebedani. I rode
on to the Shaykhs, and asked them how it would be if the news proved
true. They told me that there would be a fight, but they also said,
"They shall pass over our dead bodies before they reach you." It was
a brave speech and kindly meant; but if anything had happened I should
have been to the fore. I did not wish the Shaykhs to think I was afraid,
or wanted their protection against their co-religionists.
When all preparations were completed, I returned to the house, and we
waited for three days. Nobody came, except more flying stragglers with
exaggerated news. After having made all my preparations, I can hardly
explain my sensations, whether they were of joy or of disappointment.
The suspense and inaction were very trying. I was never destined to do
anything worthy of my ancestress, Blanche Lady Arundell, who defended
Wardour Castle against the Parliamentary forces.
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