Page:Tudor Jenks--The defense of the castle.djvu/157

Rh "Our chances of disabling the tower are but few at best, and the Friar has a marksman's eye, and can train a mangonel better than any one of us. In a quarter of an hour more, the tower will be within range, and then we must smash it or burn it if possible. Bring all the men here, Lord Edgar, except the few necessary to do sentinel duty along the walls to give warning of an attempt to escalade—for they may make a rush somewhere while we are busy here—and we will work the mangonels until they smoke!"

Edgar ran off, and dispatched every man he met to summon their forces to Hugh's aid. Archers, crossbowmen, engineers, came thronging at the call, and as fast as they arrived Hugh set them to work or stationed them upon the battlements where their fire would be most effective. Meanwhile, in order that their efforts might be intelligently exerted, Hugh explained briefly to the petty officers what he wished to do, ordering them to inform their men.

"In order to stop or disable the tower," said he, "we must keep it under fire as long as may be. I want their men hit whenever they show themselves. Every bolt and arrow must count. They will be within range soon, and then I want you to kill or disable every man you can. Don't discharge an arrow without an aim." To the engineers he