We all three gathered at the western window, and for some moments watched the slow approach of the moving breastwork.
V
A SIEGE AND AN AMBUSCADE
We continued to watch long and anxiously the slowly rolling log. Not a glimpse of the motive power could be obtained, but it ground and crushed its way along with ominous certainty, straight in our direction.
Just as I had come to the conclusion that assistance could not arrive in time, the log stopped. I looked through my glass and saw the cause.
"Sergeant," I exclaimed, "the log has struck a rock! Open the door and draw a bead on it! Don't let a man leap over it to remove the stone! Corporal, guard the east window!"
The sergeant stood ready at the open door. All the efforts of the prostrate men behind the log had no effect, except to swing the end farthest from the obstacle slightly ahead.
"There seems to be nothing for them to do but to remove the stone. Keep a sharp eye on the log, sergeant!"