Page:Tudor Jenks--The defense of the castle.djvu/182

156 bridge, the catapults must be ready to sweep the besiegers from the bridge, while we do our best to prevent them from reaching the ramparts. We can do no more."

After their midnight expedition against the miners who were burrowing through the earth like moles, Edgar and his two allies slept so soundly that, be fort they had risen, they were wakened and summoned to the ramparts, being assured that the besiegers were evidently preparing for a more serious assault than any they had yet delivered. All three dressed hastily, and ascended to the top of the keep, whence there was a broad view. Then it could be seen that the reports of their enemies' activity were not exaggerated. From the eastward could be seen the high siege-tower, once more advancing toward them, so slowly that one had to look most closely in order to be sure that it made progress; and yet so steadily that if the attention of an observer was for a moment diverted, it could be seen, when the tower was again noticed, that several yards had been gained.

On the south the Count's men were seen to be clustering about their three mangonels, preparing them for action, as soon as the signal should be given; while nearer the castle, there were signs of activity also about the intrenchment and the great