and train one of the guns, and fire the blank charge aimed just over his head. It would startle him.”
The thought passed away directly, and he went up to the roof, where the four men were together upon the platform examining the two guns facing the embrasures.
These were not quite so big as the two standing now beneath the gate-way, but, for the date, they were of a pretty good size, and having the wood-work of the mounting in excellent condition.
“Well, how do they look?” Roy asked.
“Better than I thought, sir. They’ll do. Only want a good cleaning. If you think a charge or two ought to be fired, sir, as was talked about, shall it be with one of these?”
“If—yes; fire them both,” said Roy; and then he felt astonished at the fact that what he had imagined in mischief was really to be carried out.
“Next order, sir?” said Ben, gazing in his captain’s face.
“See to the other guns on the north-east and south-west towers.”
“Yes, sir. What’s to be done with the two as was slung down when Master Pawson’s rooms was furnished?”
“Sling them up again,” cried Roy, promptly. “It is necessary now.”