But if the Gray Wolves came to the attack, the boys were prepared to receive and deal with them as they would with any band of marauding animals.
"We'll establish a guard at once," said Ted, "and it will stand as organized until this thing is settled."
"It will have to be kept up night and day," said Ben Tremont. "If these chaps are as clever as I think they will probably seek to do us harm by day as well as night."
"Thar's sense in thet thar," said Bud. "Better make it two watches."
"All right," said Ted. "Ben will have charge of the day watch, and take six of the boys, whom he will detail for duty as he thinks best."
"How do you want to arrange the hours?" asked Ben.
"Suit yourself about that, but I would suggest that the day be divided from six o'clock to six o'clock, day and night."
"Suits me," said Ben. "That will give my six boys a stunt of two hours each, which will make it easy for every one, and insure a constant and careful watch."
"Bud, you will be captain of the night watch," said Ted. "How do you want to arrange it?"
"I would patrol ther house outside," said Bud. "And my fellers would work in pairs. I should think Ben's men could do their best work from the cupola on top o' ther house, usin' ther major's spyglass ter keep tabs on ther horizon in every direction. At night, we can only watch close to the house outside."