Page:Tudor Jenks--The defense of the castle.djvu/229

Rh had engaged to fight men—not devils and enchanters. If they were to meet swords, spears, and arrows—that was all in a soldier's lifetime, and they could return as good as they received. But they did not mean to fight thunder and lightning, nor the foul sorcery of the Black Art."

To all this Luke replied that there was no sorcery in the matter. There had been a mining of the wall, and some Greek fire stored below had become ignited, making a great light and turmoil. But it was all over now, and the defenders had but put another breach into their own walls for the easier entry of their foes. Luke assured them that he had often seen Greek fire used in the Crusades, and there was no sorcery in it. Gradually, the effect of the awful explosion having passed from their minds, Luke won back their confidence, and by assuring the men that the castle must surrender soon, gave them some heart for the fight. But both Luke and the Count deemed it wiser to wait until daylight before renewing the attack, since another such experience in the darkness might send their men away forever.

Although the Count and Luke had kept up a brave face before their soldiers, when they were alone in the Count's tent, they talked much less confidently of the night's great happening.