A call that all was
right brought out the defenders of the ambush. It had been arranged
similarly to that which had been so successful before, except that
instead of the pit, several strong ropes had been laid across the
road, to be tightened breast high as soon as an enemy came close
to them.
"These are not as good as the pit," the farmer said as they passed
them; "but as we have to use the road sometimes we could not keep
a pit here, which, moreover, might have given way and injured any
one from a neighbouring village who might be riding hither. We
have made a strong stockade of beams among the underwood on either
side, so that none could break through into the wood from the path."
"That is good," Malcolm said; "but were I you I would dig a pit
across the road some twelve feet wide, and would cover it with
a stout door with a catch, so that it would bear wagons crossing,
but when the catch is drawn it should rest only on some light
supports below, and would give way at once if a weight came on it.
It would, of course, be covered over with turf. It will take some
time to make, but it will add greatly to your safety."
"It shall be done," the farmer said. "Wood is in plenty, and some
of my men are good carpenters. I will set about it at once."
On arriving at the village Malcolm was cordially welcomed by the
farmer's wife and daughters.
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