The Fight in the Keep
Soldiers All—The Silent Watches—Twice a Traitor—The Oubliette—The Horizon—Fanshawe Volunteers—A Powder Barrel—Nearing the End—Allies—Von Stickstoff—More Stickstoff—The Confederate Camp—The Anspach Dragoons—At the Sword Point—A Brief Respite—The Fight on the Stairs—The Last Stand—The Anspachers
Harry was sick at heart when he came to examine his losses. Three of his men were dead, nine badly wounded, there was not one but bore marks, in bruise or cut or strain, of the desperate strife in which they had played such manful parts. He arranged for the burial of the three gallant troopers; then, heavy-hearted as he was, set to work with indomitable pluck to repair the damage done to the defences. The prisoners were pressed into the service; the barricade was restored, and another mine was dug, though from the crack that showed in the masonry of the archway Harry feared that a second explosion would bring half the keep tumbling about his ears.
Having done all that could be done, and shared a meal with his devoted men, Harry went with Fanshawe and Buckley to the top of the keep to discuss the future.
"Our state is parlous, Fanshawe," he said. "Another assault will wipe us out."
"We have a breathing-space. The brigands have had enough for the present. Their ill-success must have daunted them."
"But Aglionby will not give up yet. He is playing for a high stake.—What is doing yonder?"
In the distance he saw two wagons and a band of some fifty men making their way across the hills towards the copse in which the enemy were encamped.
"Reinforcements, it appears," said Buckley. "Perhaps food; they will raid every farmhouse round."
"We must say nothing of this to the men," said Harry. "'Twould dishearten them."