He was fully conscious of his danger, and made every possible preparation for defence, should they be attacked.

With food in abundance, loop-holes properly arranged, and a number of rifles ever ready loaded, no war-party, however numerous, could seize the fort without the loss of many of their men.

And as we have said, the boldest of these warriors were never willing to expose themselves unprotected to rifle shot.
Neither of the men dared to venture far from their camp for game.
Fortunately this was not necessary.

Game existed in such abundance that, almost from the door of their fortification, they could shoot any quantity they needed.

They always kept a careful guard.