Page:Tudor Jenks--The defense of the castle.djvu/114

90 Hugh was constructing the intrenchment diagonally across from the northwest to the southeast tower, so that there might be a further obstacle to prevent their reaching the base of the great donjon. Then Hugh intended to undermine those parts of the western and southern walls that came against the two towers already named, so that, if the south and west walls were taken, they could be cut off from the remainder of the castle—which would then become triangular.

The old soldier explained his plan to Edgar and the Friar, as they sat as usual in the great hall after dinner, with the map and a drawing of the castle before them. Edgar was again inclined to be uneasy when he heard the older man discussing the destruction of this or that wall;, and the capture of the gate and one of the towers; for he was yet inexperienced, and had been inclined to think the towers and thick curtain-walls too strong to be destroyed or taken. The Friar smiled to see him look so glum, and tried to cheer him.

"If you will recall the stories of other sieges, my lord," said he, "you will remember that a resolute besieger, unless he be interfered with, is sure to make progress even against the strongest defenses. Whatever man has built, man can pull down, and—unfortunately—one can pull down faster than one can build; which is what makes a