ed up to the points on the wall most exposed to
attack; and orders sent out, by the governor of the castle in the
Percys' absence, to the people for many miles round, that on the
approach of the Scots all were to retire to refuge, the women and
children taking to the hills, while the men capable of bearing arms
were to hasten to the defence of the castle.

For a time, the Scots carried all before them, wasting and devastating
the country. Oswald heard that they had captured, without resistance,
his father's hold. He rejoiced at the news, for he feared that, not
knowing the strength of the invading force, resistance might have been
attempted; in which case all in the hold might have been put to the
sword. He had no doubt, now, that his father and mother had retired
with their followers to the hills, as they had always determined to do,
in case of an invasion by a force too strong to resist.

Had the Percys been at home, they might have held out, confident that
the Scotch would be attacked before they could effect its capture; but
as all the northern lords, with their retainers, were away in the
south, it would be some time before a force could be collected that
could make head against the Scots.

A portion of the Scottish army laid siege to the castle of Wark, on the
Tweed. This castle had always played a conspicuous part in the border
wars. It had been besieged and captured by David of Scotland, in the
reign of Stephen; and two or three years later was again besieged, but
this time repulsed all attacks. David, after his defeat at the battle
of the Standard, resumed the siege. It again repulsed all attacks, but
at last was reduced to an extremity by famine, and capitulated.

The castle was demolished by the Scots, but was rebuilt by Henry the
Second. In 1215 it was again besieged, this time by King John, who
resented the defection of the northern barons; and it was captured, and
again destroyed. In 1318 it was captured and destroyed by Robert Bruce.
In 1341 it was besieged by David Bruce, but held out until relieved by
King Edward, himself. In 1383 it was again besieged by the Scots, and
part of its fortifications demolished. On the present occasion it was
again captured, and razed to the ground.

Another portion of the Scottish army, plundering and burning, advanced
along the valley of the Coquet. As they approached, the inhabitants of
the district round Alnwick began to pour into the castle; but orders
were issued