I was vexed that he should think then of our own comfort, when we were come so near to where we might search out those who were, possibly, in direst distress; but, because the others obeyed his call, I could do no less, and we entered the stockade, finding it, I fancy, exactly as when Colonel Zebulon Butler and his soldiers abandoned it to go to Forty Fort. As we passed through the main gates, which were standing open, Master Bartlett closed and barred them carefully, whereat I, remembering our experience in Fort Ogden, asked in a tone of irritation because of my nervousness: “Is it well we should fasten ourselves in here, when for aught we know the enemy may be creeping up on us at this moment?” and he replied, grimly: “If they are on our trail, lad, it strikes me we were better off with this gate closed than open. We are not now running from every one who has any connection with John Butler, as were you when you blundered into the Ogden stockade; but are out with the determination to hold our own when the forces are anywhere near equal. With the supply of ammunition which we have, it should be possible to make good our possession here for many days, however large a crew might come against us.” “Ay, and be wofully hungry before the first four and twenty hours had gone by,” I replied, vexed because he spoke so confidently, as if we might stand against any who were abroad in the valley thirsting for blood. Not until the stockade had been closed as if we intended to make permanent quarters there, did Master Bartlett give token as to why he had entered, and then, mounting one of the platforms, he said: “We should be able to get a good idea from here of what is being done on the other side of the river, and I propose that we stand guard to-night as if regularly stationed.” “Is that all we have come here for?” I asked, sharply. “Nay, lad, it was in my mind, when we found this place untouched by fire, that, because it had been abandoned so hurriedly, we might find here some small store of provisions, or a secret hoard of ammunition. You who are acquainted with the fort should know all the likely places.” Upon this Giles March claimed to be as familiar with the interior of the stockade as he had been with his own home, and agreed to make diligent search if I would accompany him. There were within the walls of this fort two blockhouses, and perhaps half a dozen small buildings intended for the use of the settlers at such times as they might be driven to take shelter in moments of danger, and I said to the lad as he entered the first dwelling: “If it be in your mind to search all these houses, then we may as well understand that there is a long task before us.”