We are just getting now to the time of the year when
Indian attacks are most likely to take place. Sometimes they are
quiet for a year or two, then they are very troublesome again. Five
or six years ago, just after I first came out, we had terrible
times with them. Vast numbers of cattle were driven off: the sheep
they less seldom take, because they cannot travel so fast, but they
do drive them off sometimes. A good many shepherds were killed, and
two or three estancias captured and burned, and the inmates
murdered. You are now the furthest settler, and consequently the
most exposed. Your estancia is strong and well built, and you are
all well armed and good shots. You are, I think, in that respect
safe, except from sudden surprise. The dogs are sure to give an
alarm; still I should sleep with everything in readiness."
"Thank you, Percy; I shall take your advice. I expected it from
what I had heard when I bought the place; but from hearing nothing
of Indians all this time, I had almost forgotten it. I will prepare
for defense without the loss of a day. The house has only one
vulnerable point--the doors and shutters. I will measure them this
afternoon, and will get you to take over a letter and forward it to
Rosario by the first opportunity, for some sheets of thin iron to
cover them with.
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