he defence of our homes?"

"That will we," the farmer said warmly. "He is used to war, and can give
us good advice. As far as strength goes, our men are not wanting. Each
has his sword and pike, and there are four or five arquebuses in the
village. Yes, if there be a chance of success, even of the slightest, we
will do our best as men in defence of our homes."

CHAPTER VI THE ATTACK ON THE VILLAGE

"And now," the farmer said to Malcolm, "what is your advice? That we
will fight is settled. When, where, and how? This house is strongly
built, and we could so strengthen its doors and windows with beams that
we might hold out for a long time against them."

"No," Malcolm said, "that would not be my advice. Assuredly we might
defend the house; but in that case the rest of the village, the herds
and granaries, would fall into their hands. To do any good, we must
fight them in the wood on their way hither. But although I hope for
a favourable issue, I should strongly advise that you should have the
herds and horses driven away. Send off all your more valuable goods in
the wagons, with your women and children, to a distance. We shall fight
all the better if we know that they are all in safety. Some of the old
men and boys will suffice for this work. And now, methinks, you had best
summon the men, for there will be work for them tonight."

The bell which was used to call the hands from their work in the fields
and woods at sunset soon sounded, and the men in surprise came trooping
in at the summons. When they were assembled the farmer told them the
news he had heard, and the determination which had been arrived at to
defend the village.

After the first movement of alarm caused by the name of the dreaded band
of the Wolfsburg had subsided Malcolm was glad to see an expression
of stout determination come over the faces of the assemblage, and all
declared themselves ready to fight to the last. Four of the elder men
were told off at once to superintend the placing of the more movable
household goods of the village in wagons, which were to set out at
daybreak with the cattle and families.

"Now," Malcolm said, "I want the rest to bring mattocks and shovels and
to accompany me along the road. There is one spot which I marked as I
came along as being specially suited for defence."

This was about half a mile away, and as darkness had now set in the men
lighted torches, and with their implements followed him. At the spot