It was safe enough, and, if carried out, could only end in the death of the lion.
A hole in both door and window-shutter would enable them to fire at the brute as many bullets as they pleased, while they would be quite secure from his attack.

But the _time_ that would be required to cut these holes--that was why the plan did not please the field-cornet.

He and his party had no time to spare: their horses were weak with hunger, and a long journey lay before them ere a morsel could be obtained.

No,--the time could not be spared for making a breach.

Some more expeditious mode of attack must be devised.
"Father," said Hendrik, "suppose we set the house on fire ?" Good.