The whole structure of the fort was bullet-proof and was erected without an iron nail or spike.

In the border wars these forts withstood all attacks.

The savages, having proved that they could not storm them, generally laid siege and waited for thirst to compel a sortie.

But the crafty besieger was as often outwitted by the equally cunning defender.

Some daring soul, with silent feet and perhaps with naked body painted in Indian fashion, would drop from the wall under cover of the night, pass among the foemen to the spring, and return to the fort with water.
Into the pioneer's phrase-making the Indian influence penetrated so that he named seasons for his foe.