."

The night was very dark as they left the mouth of the mine, but after
their late experience it seemed to both to be comparatively light, and
with Mark now armed with the miner's pick, which he felt would be a good
substitute for a battle-axe, they hurried up the steps, with the noise
above increasing, but seeming to be over on the other side of the little
castle. A minute or two later they had reached the platform which led
to their right over the narrow natural bridge, to the left, through the
gateway into the first courtyard. This was empty, and they ran lightly
across it, to find that the encounter was going on beyond the second
gateway, which led into the little inner courtyard, surrounded by the
dwelling-house portion of the castle. Both gateways were furnished with
means of defence, the outer having an iron grille of heavy crossed bars,
while the second had folding doors of massive oak, with a wicket for
ordinary use in the lower part of one of the folds. But in spite of the
enmity between the two families, little heed had of late been given to
the defences. Sir Edward had considered that the outer gate at the end
of the natural bridge was sufficient, as there was so little likelihood
of an attack without warning; and, as far as Mark could make out, it
seemed that under cover of the darkness the enemy had crossed the bridge
and forced the gate under the little towers, when the rest would be easy
for them. They had only had to pass through the first courtyard, and
were now in the lesser or inner court, evidently trying to batter down
the entrance door into the hall.

They must have begun their work before Sir Edward and his people were
alarmed; but how long before it was impossible to tell. What met the
eyes of the two lads now was an armed group trying to batter in the
great door by means of a beam they had brought up into the yard, while
others, armed with pikes, guarded their companions, upon whom missiles
of all kinds were being dashed down from above, and thrusts were being
made with other pikes from the windows which flanked or overhung the
door.

"The Darleys," whispered Dummy, as they peered together round the inner
corner of the gateway dividing the two courts.

"In with it, boys!" roared a hoarse voice; and they dimly made out a
heavy figure standing in the shelter of the wall.

"Captain Purlrose and his gang," whispered back Mark huskily. "I wonder
how many men my father has in there."