Page:Tudor Jenks--The defense of the castle.djvu/91

Rh that was to sweep through the air, and discharge great stones as a boy shoots beans from a sling. Their work lasted until nightfall, and it was dark before the mangonel stood ready to do its destructive duty. Meanwhile no further attempt was made against the castle, and the garrison, seeing this, withdrew all but the sentinels, of whom there were twice the usual number, so that no point might be neglected.

Edgar saw that the easy repulse of the first attack had greatly encouraged the defenders, and was careful not to dash their enthusiasm. Yet he warned them that there was much more serious work to come, and told them that against so strong a force, every man must be prepared to do his utmost. As there was plenty of food in the castle, even should the siege be a long one, Edgar ordered that a lavish dinner be served, and did all he could to raise the hearts of the younger recruits. One or two had received slight wounds from bolts or arrows, but when these had been cared for by the women, the injured men regarded their hurts rather as marks of honor than as anything to regret. The boards upon which the dinner was served were removed promptly, and the men of the castle went early to bed in order that they might be well rested for the struggle of the morrow. But Edgar and Hugh sat late discussing