They decided to put up some just above the hut so as to prevent the creature leaping on to the roof, and perhaps tearing a way through it. Bevis held the matchlock this time and watched while Mark hewed out the stakes, taking the labour and the watching in turn. With much trouble, these were driven home and sharpened nails put at the top, so that the beast approaching from behind would have to leap over these before descending the perpendicular cliff on to the hut. The fortification was now complete, and they sat down to think if there was anything else.
“One thing,” said Mark, “we will take care and fill the kettle and the bucket with water this evening before we go to sleep. Suppose the thing came and stopped just outside and wouldn’t go away?”
“Besieged us—yes, that would be awkward; we will fill all the pots and things with water, and get in plenty of wood for the fires. How uncomfortable it is without our bath!”
“I feel horrid.”
“I must have a bath,” said Bevis. “I will have a swim.”
“We can watch in turn, but if the panther sees any one stripped it’s more likely to try and seize him.”
“Yes, that’s true: I know! Suppose we go out on the raft!”
“Right away.”
“Out to Pearl Island and swim there: there are no sedges there.”
“Hurrah! If he comes we should see him a long way first.”