The first work at which the Major set the garrison in the morning was to form six wooden stages against the wall.
One by the gate, one against the wall at the other end, and two at each of the long sides of the inclosure.

They were twelve feet in height, which enabled those upon them to stand head and shoulders above the level of the wall.
When these were completed the whole of the garrison, including the ladies and native servants, again set to work filling sandbags with earth.

As fast as they were finished they were carried in and piled two deep against the lower windows, and three deep against the doors, only one small door being left undefended, so as to allow a passage in and out of the house.

Bags were piled in readiness for closing this also in case of necessity.
Mrs.Rintoul and another lady had volunteered for a third watch on the roof, so that each watch would go on duty once every twelve hours.

The whole of the men, therefore, were available for work below.
A scattered fire was opened at the house soon after daybreak, and was kept up without intermission from bushes and other cover; but the watchers on the roof, seated behind the sandbags at opposite angles, were well under shelter, peering out occasionally through the crevices between the bags to see that no general movement was taking place among the enemy.
About midday there was a desultory discharge of firearms from the native lines; and the Major, on ascending to the roof, saw a procession of elephants and men approaching the camp.
"I expect there are guns there," he muttered, "and they are going to begin in earnest.