At present, the upper part is entirely choked up with blocks of stone and rubbish, and it will be a very awkward job to get through it; but so far, it seems to me, it is that or nothing." "What are they going on chopping down trees for ?" "I believe their general is doing it to bring large numbers of his troops close up to the stockade; partly perhaps to keep up the spirits of the front line, by their company; partly to render impossible any attempt, on our part, to make our way out by a sudden rush.

Of course, they don't know what our strength is; but they have had so sharp a lesson, today, that they will take every precaution, in future.
"Well, what is it, Meinik ?" "We have been talking together, master; and we think that, if we were to call out that they might take the bodies away, without any interference by us, they would do so.

Several officers of rank have fallen there, and it is our custom always to carry off the dead, when it is possible." "It would be worth trying the experiment, anyhow, Meinik.

But we must all stand to arms, while they are doing it; as they might make a sudden rush.

However, we would risk that, for those bodies have been worrying me very much, and I would give anything to have them taken away.