noon
The first thing was to draw a line for a trench some six or seven feet deep , that was to encircle the whole building , at a distance of about thirty yards from the house . This line ran , on each side of the Hut , on the very verge of the declivities , rendering the flanks far more secure than the front , where it crossed the lawn on a gently inclining surface . In one hour the major had traced this lines with accuracy ; and he had six or eight men at work with spades , digging the trench . A gang of hands was sent into the woods , with orders to cut the requisite quantify of young chestnuts ; and , by noon , a load of the material actually appeared on the ground . Still , nothing was done to the gates . To own the truth , the captain was now delighted . The scene reminded him of some in his military life , and he bustled about , giving his orders , with a good deal of the fire of youth renewed , taking care , however , in no manner to interfere with the plans of his son .