Alma 52:6

but he kept his men round about, as if making preparations for war; yea, and truly he was preparing to defend himself against them, by casting up walls round about, and preparing places of resort.

But he kept his men nearby. It looked like he was getting ready for war. He was preparing to defend against them by building walls and getting safe places ready.

Instead, he kept his men positioned nearby as if preparing for war. In truth, he was preparing to defend himself—building walls and establishing strongholds.