"True, sergeant. Probably a dozen or more warriors are lying behind it
and rolling it forward. Rather a black prospect for us if we cannot
stop it!"

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.