Elderly men and women were chosen for the clerical work which this rather laborious undertaking entailed.
On the crest of the loftiest hill there was established a permanent observation and signal station.

Near the top a sort of combination dug-out and shanty was constructed by order of Captain Trigger, and day and night, week in and week out, watches were kept similar to those maintained on board ship.
While the entire company, high and low, worked with a zeal that eventually resulted in a state of good-natured though intense rivalry in skill and accomplishment,--while they were generally cheerful and courageous,--there was a profound lack of gaiety.

In the eyes of each and every one of them lay the never-vanishing shadow of anxiety,--an eternal unspoken question.

The hardest, fiercest faces wore a wistful expression; the broadest smile revealed a touch of sadness.

Over all, however, the surpassing spirit of kindness and generosity presided.
Calamity had softened the hearts in the same crucible that hardened the hands.