Jane's mouth was open.
"Cheer up, Jenny," said Robert,—"it won't last much longer."
There was a creaking above, and something rattled and shook. The pavement they stood on seemed to tremble. Then a crash told them that the drawbridge had been lowered to its place.
"That's that beast Jakin," said Robert. "There's still the portcullis; I'm almost certain that's worked from lower down."
And now the drawbridge rang and echoed hollowly to the hoofs of horses and the tramp of armed men.
"Up—quick!" cried Robert,—"let's drop things on them."
Even the girls were feeling almost brave now. They followed Robert quickly, and under his directions began to drop stones out through the long narrow windows. There was a confused noise below, and some groans.
"Oh dear!" said Anthea, putting down the stone she was just going to drop out, "I'm afraid we've hurt somebody!"
Robert caught up the stone in a fury.
"I should hope we had!" he said; "I'd give something for a jolly good boiling kettle of lead. Surrender, indeed!"