Page:Tudor Jenks--The defense of the castle.djvu/124

100 they will be able to sweep the ramparts of defenders, perhaps, and then make an assault by means of lowering a bridge upon the walls. You have surely heard of that means of taking a fortified place?"

"Yes," Edgar replied, "my father has told me of it. But, Hugh, I find that while I remember to have heard of the different engines used against us, I unhappily forget the means used to defend against them. What can we do against a tower, in case they shall build it?"

"Batter it to pieces with stones, set fire to it by means of darts or barrels of pitch, or repel the attack of the soldiers when it is made." Hugh replied. "If we were strong enough, we might risk a sortie and try to destroy it before it is complete; but that would be foolhardy, I fear, as they will be on the watch against a night attack, and we dare not go out in daylight. Come, let us consult the old Friar. I believe he has seen much warfare, and he may advise us well. We shall need all our wits."

They descended from the tower to the ramparts, and then went down a flight of steps that led them into the court. Here they found the Friar bending over a bit of crystal into which he seemed to be gazing. When he saw them coming toward him, he slipped the crystal into a pouch he carried