A group of some eight or ten peasants were
standing looking at the tower, while a woman was pointing to it
and talking eagerly.
It was towards the windows that she was pointing, and Malcolm
guessed at once that, having returned in the early morning to see
what remained of her home, she had happened to notice the garments
stuffed in the windows, and had carried the news to some of her
companions. Malcolm regretted bitterly now that he had not set
a watch, so that at the first gleam of daylight the windows might
have been unblocked; but it was now too late.
"We shall have to fight for it, lads," he said, turning round.
"Our clothes must have been seen early this morning, and there is
a party of peasants watching the tower. Of course they cannot know
at present whether we are friends or foes; but no doubt the news
of last evening's doings has travelled through the country, and the
peasants are on the lookout for us, so they may well guess that we
are here. However, we shall soon see. Sergeant, place one of your
men on sentry at the foot of the stairs, but do not let him speak
or give any signs of his presence if the door is tried."
One of the soldiers was placed on guard. Scarcely had he taken
his station when there was a knocking at the door, and shouts were
heard outside from the peasants calling on those within, if they
were friends, to come out.
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