The door itself was of massive
hewn timber. The squared logs of the upper stories projected a little
beyond the stone-work of the basement, the second tier of the timbers
containing a few loops out of which missiles might be discharged
downwards, on any assailants that approached nearer than should be deemed
safe for the security of the basement. As has been stated, the two
principal stories were perforated with long narrow slits through the
timber, which answered the double purposes of windows and loop-holes.
Though the apartments were so evidently arranged for defence, the plain
domestic, furniture they contained was suited to the wants of the family,
should they be driven to the building for refuge. There was also an
apartment in the roof, or attic, as already mentioned; but it scarcely
entered into the more important uses of the block-house. Still the
advantage which it received from its elevation was not overlooked. A small
cannon, of a kind once known and much used under the name of grasshoppers,
had been raised to the place, and time had been, when it was rightly
considered as of the last importance to the safety of the inmates of the
dwelling.
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