Page:Tudor Jenks--The defense of the castle.djvu/70

46 of the castle, being pastured upon the plateau near the gates, and some few within the courtyard itself. At the first alarm, they could all be made secure within the stable-sheds erected for them inside the walls.

By the direction of Edgar, prompted by Hugh, the approach to the main gate was defended by a strong palisade of tree trunks set upright in deep pits. It was not expected that this defense would last long against a vigorous attack, but Hugh explained, when Edgar made this objection, that it would cause delay in reaching the main defenses, would shelter a few archers for some hours, and that before these men were dislodged the enemy would be sure to have suffered some loss.

"Every hour we gain," Hugh explained, "is worth much. The saving of the castle may result from an extra half-day."

"But the castle is too strong to be taken," Edgar objected.

"Stronger places than these Norman keeps have been taken before now," Hugh answered. "It is an old soldier's maxim to hope for the best and make ready for the worst. So, if you will, we will put up the palisade."

Another addition to the castle defenses was the wooden hoardings. Timbers were thrust through the walls, holes having been left for the purpose,