"Yes, that's why you want me to go, Ben," whispered Roy. "You think it
is getting dangerous here. Thank you; I'll stay. I daresay the men are
all right."

"Well, sir, I did think something of the kind; but it's real truth. You
ought to be everywhere, and you must really give a look round and tell
'em to fire at any of the enemy who come too near, specially at the
troops of horse; it'll teach 'em to keep their distance."

Another shot struck the tower, and the splinters of stone rattled down,
making Roy hesitate to leave. But he felt that the old sergeant was
right, and, descending to the ramparts, he visited the south-west tower,
where the men in charge of the guns awaited orders to join in the fray.
Then the north-west tower was reached, and here Roy encountered Master
Pawson.

"I am glad you've come," he cried. "There's a strong body of horse
gathering over at the foot of the hill to the north."

"Whereabouts?" said Roy, hurrying through. "Anywhere near the old
ruins?"

"Ruins? ruins?" said the secretary, looking at him in a peculiar manner.
"Ah, I see now: you mean those old stones on the top. No; they are on
the level ground below. Hadn't we better fire?"

"As soon as they come within reach, send a ball at them. Let the gun be
well elevated, so as to fire over their heads. We want to scare them
off, and not to destroy."

As he spoke, Roy ascended with the secretary to the platform, and there,
well within range, saw a strong squadron of horse approaching; while
Roy's keen eyes detected a flash or two as of the sun from steel in
amongst the trees at the foot of the hill.

"They have infantry there," he said. "And these horse must be coming to
feel their way for them, and to see if we are prepared."

The men at the guns watched their young captain eagerly; and as soon as
he gave orders for one of the guns to be used as he had directed, he was
obeyed with an alacrity which showed how eager the people were to join
in the fray commenced on the other side of the castle.

A shot soon went whizzing overhead, and caused a general movement among
the horsemen; but they steadied again, and advanced. Upon a second shot
being fired directly with the muzzle depressed, a little cloud of dust
was seen to rise in front of the advancing squadron, which was suddenly
thrown into confusion; and directly after the body of cavalry divided
into two and began to retire, leaving an unfortunate horse struggling
upon t