Page:Tudor Jenks--The defense of the castle.djvu/175

Rh But which way they have turned, and where they will make their chief excavation—that is more than I can tell."

"I can answer there," Edgar said, "for I know that under the eastern side of the castle is only solid rock. They would, therefore, be compelled to work toward the west tower."

"There, then," Hugh exclaimed "we must countermine and drive them back. I will set men to work at once."

"And why so?" the Friar inquired. "It seems to me that the fools will be doing our work for us, if they undermine the southwest tower. That is the tower we shall be forced to abandon if the siege continues long. Is it not so, Captain Hugh?"

"Yes," the old campaigner replied, "unless relief comes, they cannot fail to gain possession of the outer court, and probably the whole southwest corner of the castle. But that is only if worse comes to worst. I believe in fighting every advance, if only to gain time; but I do not believe in sacrificing the lives of defenders where no object demands it. What do you say. Lord Edgar,—shall we not contest every foot?"

"Every inch, I would say," the younger man answered; "but I yield to the wisdom and experience of you older men. Until we shall come