Page:Tudor Jenks--The defense of the castle.djvu/269

Rh intrenchment had been left a party only large enough to hold it against a sortie, and the rest of the Count's force had withdrawn, some to the shelter of the ruined walls, and still others to their old camp near the woods south of the plateau.

It was a bright cold day, and a light fall of snow—the first of coming winter—lay upon the ground. From the various camp-fires of the besiegers long thin lines of blue smoke rose lazily in the air, where the men were cooking the morning meal. Within the castle also all seemed peaceful, except that the men were in their armor, and kept their arms near at hand. Edgar and Lady Mortimer were at breakfast in the hall, and Hugh was making his morning visit to all parts of the defenses, noting the number of men placed at each point, and giving the officers his instructions for the day. The Friar who gave every moment of leisure to his scientific experiments, was at the window of his own room, gazing through a long tube into which he had fixed lenses that he had ground for himself. This tube was in sliding portions and the Friar, pushing them in or out, was attentively examining the further shore of the river. After taking an observation thus, he would once more adjust the tubes or straighten his lenses, and try again. When at last he secured a clear view, he carefully placed the instrument upon