The major and Fred had chosen a flat surface on the top of the mountain for the band"s camp. The campsite was protected by sharp rocks, and snow-covered low ridges to the front and sides. These natural contours would be difficult for attackers to cross.
Rocky surfaces on site prevented digging in. Facing southwest—the most likely approach of an enemy attacking force—a squad built a defensive wall of boulders. To the rear, the squad built a second defensive wall with a gap, easily closed. The gap led to an escape route down the mountain and into the trees, or on to higher ground to the north.
Fred walked to the edge of the camp. He raised binoculars, watching Dante silhouetted by the sun, running along the ridge half a mile out from the camp. Dante flew along the snowy ridge with a sure-f
