Page:Tudor Jenks--The defense of the castle.djvu/83

Rh signed and was capable of being strongly held by a resolute garrison. Luke believed that the Count de Ferrers had greatly underestimated the strength and resources of the place, and was making a serious mistake in believing the defense was in the hands of young Edgar—a brave young fellow, but one without training in actual war. As Luke examined the palisade and the hoardings erected along the walls and on the towers, he could see that they were not the design or work of a novice. Still, having made his protest, there was nothing for him to do except to attempt the attack by storm, as the Count had ordered. As Luke studied the front of the castle, he decided that the wisest plan of attack was by an advance along the whole front, including the palisade thrown out in front of the drawbridge. By occupying the attention of the whole garrison at once, it was possible they might gain the top of the wall at some point, or, by throwing down a part of the palisade, could make an entry there and capture the drawbridge by a dash before it could be closed against them. He arranged his line of battle accordingly, just out of bowshot, in three ranks. The first rank carried fascines—great bundles of brush cut from the forest, and clods of earth with which to fill up the moat. The second rank carried axes, halberds, or poles with hooks on