They were
carefully broken off, and were laid down on the platform where they
would remain frozen until wanted. Malcolm now felt secure against
the attacks of thirst for some days to come. The stones of the
parapet were next tried, and were without much trouble moved from
their places, and were all carried to the side in which the door
was situated, in readiness to hurl down upon any who might assault
it. Some of the beams of the upper flooring were removed from their
places, and being carried down, were wedged against the upper part
of the door, securing it as firmly as did the stones below. These
preparations being finished, Malcolm took a survey of the situation
outside.
The group of peasants had increased largely, some thirty or forty
men armed with pikes, bills, and scythes being gathered in a body,
while many more could be seen across the country hurrying over the
white plain towards the spot. The windows of the lower apartment
had been barricaded with planks, partly to keep out missiles,
partly for warmth. A good fire now blazed in the centre, and the
soldiers, confident in themselves and their leader, cracked grim
jokes as, their work being finished, they sat down around it and
awaited the attack, one of their number being placed on the summit
of the tower to give warning of the approach of the enemy.
"I would that we had a musket or two," Malcolm said; "for we might
then keep them from the door.
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