Some of the girls wanted to help, but were told their part was to look on.

“I can do more than that,” said Rosie, and darting into the house, she presently returned with a small flag.  “Here, plant this on your ramparts, Harold,” she said, “if you are to defend the fort.”

“I don’t know yet to which party I shall belong—­besiegers or besieged—­but I’m obliged for the flag and shall plant it as you advise,” he said.

The girls amused themselves snowballing each other, occasionally pausing to watch the progress the lads were making, the older people doing the same from the veranda or the windows of the mansion.

The boys were active and soon had their fort—­not a large one—­constructed, and the flag planted and waving in a slight wind that had sprung up.

Lulu standing on the veranda steps, clapped her hands in delight as it was flung to the breeze and started “That Star Spangled Banner,” all the others joining in and singing with a will.

Then the lads divided themselves into two companies, Harold taking command of the defenders of the fort, Chester of the attacking party.

“There are not enough of you fellows,” called Sydney; “you’d better let us girls help prepare the ammunition.  Women have done such things when men were scarce.”

“So they have,” replied Chester.  “I’ll accept such assistance from you while you stand back out of danger.”

“Then we girls will have to divide into two companies,” said Rosie; “for the boys in the fort must have the same kind of help the others do.  I’ll go to them.”

“No, no,” said Harold, “this is going to be too much of a rough and tumble play for girls.  I decline with thanks.”

“Ungrateful fellow!” she retorted.  “I don’t mean to be a bit sorry for you if you are defeated.”

“I do not intend that you shall have the opportunity,” he returned with a good humored laugh.

“O Rosie, I know what we can do!” cried Lulu; “give them some music.”

“Good!” said Sydney, “wait a minute, boys till we hunt up a drum and fife.  The band will play on the veranda.”

She, Rosie, and Lulu hurried into the house as she spoke.

“Yes, I’ll lend you mine,” shouted Walter, after them.  “They’re up in the play-room;—­two drums, two mouth organs and a fife, and a trumpet.”

The boys waited, employing the time in preparing piles of snowballs, and presently the girls came rushing back bringing the musical instruments mentioned by Walter, and a jews-harp and accordeon beside.

These were quickly distributed and the band struck up—­not one tune but several; “Hail Columbia,” “Yankee Doodle,” and “Star Spangled Banner;”—­having forgotten in their haste to agree upon a tune.

The music, if music it could be called—­was greeted with roars of laughter, and ceased at once.

“Oh this will never do!” cried Maud; “we must settle upon some one of the national airs.  Shall it be ’Yankee Doodle’?”