"The strength of the defence is not here, but on the upward road, and if the English once gained the top the forts must fall; but at least it shall not be said, as long as I am governor, that Savandroog fell almost bloodlessly.

In these forts we can at least die bravely, and sell our lives to the last.

It is for that reason I desire that they shall be so defended that they cannot be carried, as they were before, by a sudden rush." The other fort was then visited, and a tour made round the walls.

The suggestions offered by the governor and the officers were all noted down and approved.
Then they made what was, to Dick, the most important part of the inspection; namely, an examination of the undefended portion of the rock.

The result showed him that the builders of the defences had not acted unwisely in trusting solely to nature.