This they left there for the moment.
"Now hand out the cots," directed Harriet.
As this was being done, Harriet worked standing in water most of the time.

She placed the cots on edge across the doorway until three of them had been set in place.

Directing Jane to try to hold them in place, Harriet grasped the table.

This she braced against the cots.

The table held them in place.
"Hurrah! We've done it.