To make marksmen of them was more than I could hope to do under the circumstances.
With the exception of these men nearly the entire male population were working day and night to get in the harvest.

This proved a very difficult business, both because some of the crops were scarcely fit and because all the grain had to be carried on camels to be stored in and at the back of the second court of the temple, the only place where it was likely to be safe.

Indeed in the end a great deal was left unreaped.
Then the herds of cattle and breeding camels which grazed on the farther sides of the Holy Mount must be brought into places of safety, glens in the forest on its slope, and forage stacked to feed them.

Also it was necessary to provide scouts to keep watch along the river.
Lastly, the fortifications in the mountain pass required unceasing labour and attention.

This was the task of Ragnall, who fortunately in his youth, before he succeeded unexpectedly to the title, was for some years an officer in the Royal Engineers and therefore thoroughly understood that business.