But the building labors of the pioneers did not stop here.

Around all these houses they put a triple palisade, that is three rows of stout, sharpened stakes, driven deep into the ground and rising full six feet above it.

At intervals in this palisade were circular holes large enough to admit the muzzle of a rifle.
They built at each corner of the palisade the largest and strongest of their houses,--two-story structures of heavy logs, and Henry noticed that the second story projected over the first.

Moreover, they made holes in the edge of the floor overhead so that one could look down through them upon anybody who stood by the outer wall.

Ross went up into the second story of each of the four buildings, thrust the muzzle of his rifle into every one of the holes in turn, and then looked satisfied.
"It is well done," he said.