Page:Tudor Jenks--The defense of the castle.djvu/247

Rh mounted by a thickly set palisade, behind which the archers and pikemen were sheltered. The work would not have long resisted stones flung from powerful machines, but offered a strong barrier against a storming-party. It was not so high as the castle walls, but since it was guarded at each end by the yet uncaptured towers, the enemy, in advancing against it, would receive a galling flank fire from the loopholes. All the strength of the position was evident to Luke at a glance, and he advised the Count once more against an open attack. The Count, with his usual impatience, refused to be guided by Luke, and busied himself in ordering the line of battle, and directing his petty officers as to disposition of their men. Before delivering the final attack the men were sheltered behind the main south wall, and in order to reach the intrenchment, they would have to divide into two columns—one entering through the gap on their right, where the mine opened a wide breach, and the other clambering over the ruins of the fallen tower.

The Count decided to lead one of these wings, while to Luke was given command of the other. While maturing these plans the forces of the besiegers were not left entirely unmolested, for they were within range from the southeast tower, and now and then an arrow was sent to prove that the