Page:Tudor Jenks--The defense of the castle.djvu/184

158 not storm them. I wish I could tell the strength of that body of men; but my eyes are not what they were, and the soldiers move in and out of the shade of the woods so that they are confused, and I cannot make out their number. What do you make of them—are they many or few?"

Edgar shaded his eyes with both hands, gazing long and earnestly, and trying to arrive at some certainty. But the men were in motion, and passed in and out among the trees in so confusing a manner that he was compelled to give up the attempt.

"I cannot tell," said he. "There are more than a few companies; but there is nothing by which to determine their exact strength. We must take our chances."

"No matter," Hugh declared; "we have the walls against them, at least, but if the tower be not opposed we shall have a hand-to-hand battle on the very ramparts. In a few minutes more the tower will be once more within range, and then we will send them a few reminders that we are not asleep. Load up the mangonels, my men, and put in the heaviest stones you have. Let us see if there be another man who can earn a handful of shining bezants. My lord will not grudge them for as good a shot as the one which last sent that Goliath of wood back to the Count for re-