"O, why, there are no architectural features in it; no battlements; it has, in fact, a rather modern air."
"Not a bit of it," said Clive. "See those old stones grown over with moss; and look at the ivy."
"Yes, but look at the windows. They didn't have such large windows in castles, you know."
"Yes, but these windows were probably made afterwards. The place was once a castle; but at length, of course it became deserted, and began to fall to ruins. Then somebody fixed it tip for a dwelling-house, and made these windows in the walls."
"Well, that's not improbable."
"Not improbable! Why, I'm sure it's very natural. Look how thick the walls are!"
"They do seem pretty thick."
"O, they are real castle walls; there's no doubt at all about that," said Clive, in a positive tone. "Why, they are three feet thick, at least. And, you see, there are signs of an additional story having been above it."
"Yes, I dare say," said David, looking up. "The edges there look ragged, as though some upper portion has been knocked off."
"And I dare say it's been a great place for brigands," said Clive.