Already the terrified peasants were busily engaged in removing such of their scanty goods and chattels that were capable of being easily carried away, while the womenfolk and children were streaming in a disorderly mob along the dusty road leading to the castle.
"Bid those villeins stop, young sir," exclaimed Gripwell, pointing with his sword towards the mob of villagers. "They do but hinder our work of making good the defences."
Calmly Geoffrey walked across to where the peasants were, the seneschal accompanying him. Like the rest of their men they were unmounted, so that the risk of being seen by the enemy was considerably reduced.
"Listen, men," exclaimed Sir Oliver's son in the Norman patois, for, like most of the knights and squires of that period, he could speak the French tongue. "Listen, men, and if ye be worthy of the name, I pray you desist from this work of removing your goods. Is it not better to have a thatch over your heads than a few sorry remnants of your belongings without a cottage wherein to store them? We are here, by God's help, to protect you from the rogues of Malevereux. Were it otherwise 'twould have been more profitable to remain within the walls of Taillemartel and let the village take its chance.
"Now," he went on, "this is my pleasure; let all those who have any regard for their own skins and faith in the protecting arm of their over-lord—let these stand firm and assist in the defence of their hearths and homes. Those who are not so disposed, let them hasten behind the walls of Taillemartel—but, be it understood, not a stick of their goods must be borne hence."
Of the three-score male inhabitants only four took advantage of Geoffrey's offer to gain the shelter of the castle, and, amid the hooting and hissing of their fellows, and the rude jibes of the soldiers, they slunk sheepishly away.
Those of the peasants who stood firm were ordered to drag their wagons and ploughs to the end of the village street nearer the castle, and to pile them in a rough breastwork that was practically impassable by mounted men.
Eagerly the villagers obeyed. Fired by the ardour of their young seigneur they gained both strength and resolution, so that in a very short space of time the crowd of demoralized peasants was changed into a band of determined and comparatively disciplined men.
"Now get you gone to your houses," continued Geoffrey, speaking according to Gripwell's suggestions. "Arm yourselves with scythes, flails, clubs, or any other weapon ye may have to hand. Moreover, lay in a supply of stones, but, on pain of severe punishment, let no man stir or show himself until he hears a trumpet blown."
In a wonderfully short time the village street was almost deserted, for the men-at-arms, archers and cross-bowmen had already taken up their quarters within the houses. Only Geoffrey, Gripwell, the seneschal, and a few archers remained without. Venturing to the furthermost end of the village they awaited the arrival of the outposts with news of the approach of the men of Malevereux.