s went down, and at
the end of five minutes' vain attack, Sir Edward ordered the men to draw
back a few yards, and with some difficulty he and his son, by rushing
before them, and thrusting up their pikes, induced them to obey.

"This is useless, Mark," he said anxiously. "They are too strong for
us. Take the extreme right next time we advance, and I will take the
left. Then as soon as they are well engaged in front, you, with two men
must try to get in over your end, and drop over amongst them from the
side, and I will do the same. Do you dare to do that?"

"I feel as if it is horribly risky," replied the boy, "but I'll try."

"Then you will do it," said Sir Edward quietly. "Choose your men, and I
will do the same."

Five minutes later, amidst the mocking jeers of the men behind the
breastwork, a fresh attack was made, and as Mark reached the front, he
ducked down to avoid a thrust from a lance, crept close to the wall and,
followed by Nick Garth and Ram Jennings, turned the end of the stones,
climbed on, and reached the stone-strewn cliffs behind.

Then, knowing that the two men, in their fierce energy and hate, would
be quite close, Mark turned suddenly, drew himself up, sword in hand--
his followers letting their pikes slip through their hands, and holding
them close up to the heads--and leaped down inside the breastwork, his
father simultaneously coming over at the other flank.

There was not much force in either attack, but it proved effectual by
its suddenness, throwing the defenders into confusion.

These rallied directly, and pikes were swung round and directed at the
flanking parties, but the momentary check gave the men in front the
opportunity to rush close up to the breastwork, which now became their
protection, the defenders, having fallen back, becoming in turn exposed.

The fight now became furious, for the marauders began to back toward the
mouth of the cave, giving way step by step, as the length of their line
was gradually contracted by one after another dashing in, till all had
passed into the narrow passage, the first men blocking the way with the
heads of their pikes, while their fellows stooped and crept beneath,
till the last was in safety. It is needless to say that an attempt to
follow would have meant instant death.

A cheer now rose from the attacking party, who had achieved the taking
of the outwork, and Sir Edward forced his way to his son's side, to clap
him on the shoulder,