They were in an ideal hunting range, but it was evidently very near, if not actually in, the Woonga country.

At any moment they might be forced to fight for their lives or abandon their camp, and perhaps they would be compelled to do both.
So the gathering about the stove was in reality a small council of war.
It was decided that the old cabin should immediately be put into a condition of defense, with a loophole on each side, strong new bars at the door, and with a thick barricade near at hand that could be quickly fitted against the window in case of attack.

Until the war-clouds cleared away, if they cleared at all, the camp would be continually guarded by one of the hunters, and with this garrison would be left both of the heavy revolvers.

At dawn or a little later Mukoki would set out upon Wabi's trap-line, both to become acquainted with it and to extend the line of traps, while later in the day the Indian youth would follow Mukoki's line, visiting the houses already built and setting other traps.

This scheme left to Rod the first day's watch in camp.
Mukoki aroused himself from his short sleep with the first approach of dawn but did not awaken his tired companions until breakfast was ready.
When the meal was finished he seized his gun and signified his intention of visiting the mink traps just beyond the hill before leaving on his long day's trail.