Fortunately for the besieged, the electric-light plant was located in the chateau grounds and could not be tampered with from the outside.

A quantity of fuel, sufficient to last for a couple of months, was found in the bins.
Britt was put in charge of the night patrol, Saunders the day.

Strict orders were given that no one was to venture into that portion of the park open to long-range shots from the hills.

Chase set the minds of all at rest by announcing that the islanders would not seek to set fire to the chateau from the cliffs: such avaricious gentlemen as Von Blitz and Rasula would never consent to the destruction of property so valuable.
Selim, under orders, had severed the long rope with a single rifle shot; no one could hope to reach the chateau by way of the cliff.
Extra precautions were taken to guard the women from attacks from the inside.

The window bars were locked securely and heavy bolts were placed on the doors leading to the lower regions.