These palisadoes were trunks of trees driven firmly
into the mud, and served the double purpose of a small inclosure
that was intended to be used in this very manner, and to keep any
enemy that might approach in boats at arm's length. Canoes thus
docked were, in a measure, hid from sight, and as the gate was
properly barred and fastened, it would not be an easy task to remove
them, even in the event of their being seen. Previously, however,
to closing the gate, Judith also entered within the inclosure with
the third canoe, leaving Deerslayer busy in securing the door and
windows inside the building, over her head. As everything was
massive and strong, and small saplings were used as bars, it would
have been the work of an hour or two to break into the building,
when Deerslayer had ended his task, even allowing the assailants
the use of any tools but the axe, and to be unresisted. This
attention to security arose from Hutter's having been robbed once
or twice by the lawless whites of the frontiers, during some of
his many absences from home.
As soon as all was fast in the inside of the dwelling, Deerslayer
appeared at a trap, from which he descended into the canoe of
Judith.
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