Edith was an excellent shot with both rifle and pistol.

We had decided that my wife was to remain in the hiding-place.

Stanton would take up a station on the far side of the stairway and I would place myself opposite him on the side near Edith.

The place I picked out was less than two hundred feet from her, and I could reassure myself now and then as to her safety as it looked down upon the hollow wherein she crouched.

From our respective stations Stanton and I could command the gateway entrance.