rs meanwhile had
given way, and permitted ingress to the assailants, but the door leading
to the passage through the inner wall, and by which in reality the
Scotch had effected their retreat, was carefully closed and barred
within, and had so completely the same appearance as the wall of the
church in which it stood, that the English gazed round them fairly
puzzled and amazed.

This movement, however, on the part of the besieged occasioned a brief
cessation of hostilities on both sides. The flames had subsided, except
here and there, where the passing wind fanned the red-hot embers anew
into life, and caused a flickering radiance to pass athwart the pitchy
darkness of the night, and over the bustling scene on either side the
ruins.

There was no moon, and Hereford imagined the hours of darkness might be
better employed in active measures for resuming the attack by dawn than
continuing it then. Much, very much had been gained: a very brief
struggle more he knew must now decide it, and he hoped, though against
his better judgment, that the garrison, would surrender without further
loss of blood. Terms he could not propose, none at least that could
prevail on the brave commanders to give up with life, and so great was
the admiration Nigel's conduct had occasioned, that this true son of
chivalry ardently wished he would eventually fall in combat rather than
be consigned to the fearful fate which he knew would be inflicted on him
by the commands of Edward. Commands to the troops without were forwarded
by trusty esquires; the wounded conveyed to the camp, and their places
supplied by fresh forces, who, with the joyous sound of trumpet and
drum, marched over by torchlight into the ballium, so long the coveted
object of their attack.

Sir Nigel meanwhile had desired his exhausted men to lie down in their
arms, ready to start up at the faintest appearance of renewed
hostility, and utterly worn out, they most willingly obeyed. But the
young knight himself neither shared nor sought for that repose; he stood
against a buttress on the walls, leaning on a tall spear, and gazing at
once upon his wearied followers, and keeping a strict watch on the
movements of his foes. A tall form, clothed in complete armor, suddenly
stood beside him; he started.

"Seaton!" he said; "thou here, and in armor?"

"Aye," answered the knight, his voice from very weakness sounding hollow
in his helmet. "Aye, to make one last stand, and, if it may be,