Then the upper wires were
not stretched quite so tightly as the lower ones, rendering it
extremely difficult to climb over. In this way an attacking party
would have no protection whatever, and would, while endeavoring to
climb the fence, be helplessly exposed to the fire of those in the
house. Those who got over, too, could receive no assistance from
their comrades without, while their retreat would be completely cut
off.
The gateway to the fence was an ordinary strong iron gate which Mr.
Hardy had bought at Rosario, and to which strong pointed palings,
six feet long, were lashed side by side, with intervals of six
inches between them. This was the finishing touch to the
fortification; and all felt when it was done that they could
withstand the attack of a whole tribe of Indians.
The carts were again sent off to Rosario to bring back some more
wood, from which to make the framework of the house. Hubert this
time accompanied them, as Mr. Hardy wished the boys to become as
self-reliant as possible. He was also to hire three peons, or
native laborers. Before he started the plan of the future house was
discussed and agreed upon. In the middle was to be the general
sitting-room, fifteen feet square; upon one side was the kitchen,
fifteen by ten and a half; upon the other, the servants' bedroom,
of the same size; behind were three bedrooms, twelve feet by
fifteen each, all opening from the sitting-room.
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