d if only the Macfies had been suitably equipped
for an assault, they could not have failed to carry the place with ease.

But happily for Singleton, they had come very ill prepared, evidently
expecting to walk into a defenceless stronghold without a blow--and now
they were not only disappointed but disconcerted.

Yet there was no keeping them down eventually. In vain Singleton plied
his weapon with deadly effect; in vain he dislodged and hurled down upon
them one of the massive coping stones of the east terrace. As fast as
the foremost fell back dead or wounded, others swarmed up. It was well
for Singleton no attempt was made on any other part but this assailable
buttress, and even this was scaled at last.

The young laird had stepped back hurriedly to load his weapon, when he
suddenly saw a head appear above the battlements; and next moment a
fierce Lowlander sprang on to the terrace.

With the butt end of his weapon Singleton felled him, while at the same
moment Jupiter flew at the throat of the man next to him who was also
springing on to the wall.

It was a narrow escape indeed; and but for the dog, the castle might
after all have been lost. Once more the youth cleared the buttress, and
this time with such deadly effect, that the enemy halted a moment before
resuming the attack. This short breathing space was unutterably
valuable to Singleton, for it gave him time not only to load several
muskets, but to bring one of the smaller cannon in position so as to
almost cover the weak point.

This precaution, however, as it turned out, was not requisite; for just
as the enemy were returning with redoubled fierceness and determination
to the attack, there was a shout from the wood, and a cry of "Singleton
to the rescue!"

Well did the young chief know that cry. He was saved! In another
moment the Macfies had too much to do to defend themselves from the
sudden attack in the rear to think of renewing the assault, and the
youth knew well enough how to make good use of the interval. With a
loud cheer to his gallant clansmen, he kept up a dropping fire on the
enemy with musket and gun, until galled on both sides, they fairly took
to their heels and plunged once more into the moat.

How many came out of it and escaped, history does not record; but they
left of their number under the walls of Singleton Towers twenty men dead
or wounded.

It was a proud moment when the young laird flung open the great gate and
l