"I expect they will send their musketeers first next time," Malcolm
said as he rejoined those below, leaving the soldier on the watch.
"Now let us get the door up again, and bring the dead here; we can
form a barrier with them breast high."
The door was quickly shifted on one side, and then the troopers
brought up the dead, who were eleven in number.
"Now replace the door," Malcolm ordered; "fill your iron caps with
blood -- there is plenty flowing from these fellows -- and pour it
over the door, it will be as good as oil."
This was done, and the bodies were then piled shoulder high across
the door.
"They can fire as much as they like now," Malcolm said, "they will
be no nearer, and I defy anyone to climb up that door now."
CHAPTER XV A TIMELY RESCUE
Although unaware how much more formidable the task before them
had become, the peasants were disheartened by their defeat, and
even the boldest hesitated at the thought of again attacking foes
so formidably posted. None of those who had returned were able
to explain what was the obstacle which had checked their advance.
All that they could tell was, that those before them had fallen,
in some cases even before they were touched by the spears of the
defenders. This mystery added to the dread which the assault of so
difficult a position naturally inspired, and some hours were spent
in discussing how the next attack should be made.
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