Recalling seven of the scouts outside, leaving three still to keep a vigilant look-out for signs of the advancing enemy, he leant on the breastwork, and peered out into the darkness, wondering whether anything had been left undone. As he looked at the few yards of snow-covered ground still visible before him, an idea suddenly flashed across his mind. Calling up Ah-Sam, he sent him to bring his four spades from the cart. Removing a small boulder at one extremity of the barricade, he borrowed a spear, went outside to a distance of ten paces, and with the spear drew a line across the mouth of the gully parallel with the barrier. Four feet beyond this line he drew another parallel with it, then returned within the defences. In a few minutes Ah-Sam came back with the spades, and Bob was astonished to see that he was accompanied by Ethel. "I have brought you some tea," she said; "it will refresh you. Auntie is very anxious to know what you are doing. I could hardly persuade her not to come and see." "It is very good of you. Please go back, Miss—" He paused. Mrs. Pottle had omitted to mention her niece’s surname. He saw a faint smile in Ethel’s face. "Auntie never stands much on ceremony," she said, "and she has taken you quite for granted. My father’s name is Charteris." "Do, please, go back. The Russians may be upon us at any moment, and you will be in danger. Tell Mrs. Pottle that we are doing our best. Ah-Sam, go back with Miss Charteris, and remain with the ladies." "My no likee go that-side," protested Ah-Sam. "My velly good fighty man; my no tinkee—" "Come, Ah-Sam!" said Ethel. Ah-Sam looked from one to the other, then without another word, but with a very downcast countenance, he walked behind the girl up the hill.