The other boys, after a severe struggle, had caught Mrs. Bolster-Hackberry and put her back in the cabin. After a brief consultation, it was decided to hold their ground until daylight. They could get into the cabin, and by using it as a fortification, stand off a big crowd of enemies. The rest of the boys were sent inside to punch out loop-holes between the logs, and make the place as defensible as possible. Si and Shorty were to stay outside and observe. "I've got an idee how to fix that old woman," said Shorty suddenly. "Buck-and-gag her?" inquired Si. "No; we'll go in there and chuck her down that hole where she kept her whisky, and fasten the hasp in the staple." "Good idee, if the hole will hold her." "It's got to hold her. We can't have her{245} rampaging round during the fight. I'd rather have a whole company o' rebels on my back." They did not waste any words with the old woman, but despite her yells and protests Si took hold of one shoulder Shorty the other, and forced her down in the pit and closed the puncheon above her. They went out again to reconnoiter. The enemy was quiet, apparently waiting. Only one shot, fired in the direction of the fire, showed that they were still there. Shorty suddenly bethought him of his blouse, in the pocket of which was the precious letter. He felt for it. It was gone. He was stunned. "I remember, now," he said to himself, "it was working out as I ran, and it slipped down as I climbed the fence." He said aloud: "Si, I've lost my blouse. I dropped it down there jest before we crossed the road. I'm goin' to get it." "Blast the blouse," said Si; "let it be till mornin'. You need something worse'n a blouse to-night. You'll ketch a bullet sure's you're alive if you try to go acrost that road agin. They rake it." "I don't care if they do," said Shorty desperately. "I'd go down there if a battery raked it. There's a letter in the pocket that I must have." Si instinctively felt for the letter in his own pocket. "Very well," he said, "if you feel as if you must go I'll go along." "No, you sha'n't. You stay here in command; it's your duty. You can't help if you do go. I'll go alone. I'll tell you what you might do, though. You might go over there to the left and fire on 'em, as if{246} we wuz feelin' around that way. That'll draw some o' their attention." Si did as suggested.