If the Dyaks carried out the plan described by Mir Jan, he had a good many preparations to make.
The canvas awning was rolled back and the stores built into a barricade intended to shelter Iris.
"What is that for ?" she asked, when she discovered its nature.

He told her.

She definitely refused to avail herself of any such protection.
"Robert dear," she said, "if the attack comes to our very door, so to speak, surely I must help you.

Even my slight aid may stem a rush in one place whilst you are busy in another." He explained to her that if hand-to-hand fighting were necessary he would depend more upon a crowbar than a rifle to sweep the ledge clear.
She might be in the way.
"Very well.

The moment you tell me to get behind that fence I will do so.