"Because they believed when we first came up here that we were spies of the internal revenue and most of them still believe it. They began by ordering us to quit the mountains and when we wouldn't they sent men to shoot at us. One of our party is still suffering from a bullet wound received at their hands. When we found that we must defend ourselves we erected that barrier to help us. Now that you have come up here we'll need it you may be sure."
"Why?" asked the revenue officer.
"Because they'll never believe now that we didn't send for you and bring you here. They'll make ceaseless war on us now."
Meanwhile the Lieutenant was examining the fortification. Presently he turned to Jack and said:
"Will you allow me to suggest an improvement in your defensive work?"
"Certainly," answered Jack. "We shall be very glad."
"Well the top of your parapet is level. Whenever you shoot over it you must expose your head, neck and shoulders above it. Now if you raise it by ten or twelve inches and then cut embrasures or notches in the top of it to shoot through you can put up a fight with far less exposure of your persons."
The suggestion was so obviously a good one that Jack determined on the instant to adopt it.
"I'll do that, Lieutenant, as soon as you release us from arrest and let us have our guns again."
"Oh, I forgot that," answered the Lieutenant. "Here sentinel," to the man who had been posted outside, "tell Sergeant Malby to send those guns back to the house, and to withdraw you from duty here. Young men, you are released from arrest."