"Then we girls will have to divide into two companies," said Rosie;
"for the boys in the fort must have the same kind of help the others do.
I'll go to them."

"No, no," said Harold, "this is going to be too much of a rough and
tumble play for girls. I decline with thanks."

"Ungrateful fellow!" she retorted. "I don't mean to be a bit sorry for
you if you are defeated."

"I do not intend that you shall have the opportunity," he returned with
a good humored laugh.

"O Rosie, I know what we can do!" cried Lulu; "give them some music."

"Good!" said Sydney, "wait a minute, boys till we hunt up a drum and
fife. The band will play on the veranda."

She, Rosie, and Lulu hurried into the house as she spoke.

"Yes, I'll lend you mine," shouted Walter, after them. "They're up in
the play-room;--two drums, two mouth organs and a fife, and a trumpet."

The boys waited, employing the time in preparing piles of snowballs, and
presently the girls came rushing back bringing the musical instruments
mentioned by Walter, and a jews-harp and accordeon beside.

These were quickly distributed and the band struck up--not one tune but
several; "Hail Columbia," "Yankee Doodle," and "Star Spangled
Banner;"--having forgotten in their haste to agree upon a tune.