From a few thistles a whistling proceeds; and even the moss speaks, in its humble way, under the stress of the blast.
That the summit of the second line of defence has been gained is suddenly made known by a contrasting wind from a new quarter, coming over with the curve of a cascade.

These novel gusts raise a sound from the whole camp or castle, playing upon it bodily as upon a harp.

It is with some difficulty that a foothold can be preserved under their sweep.

Looking aloft for a moment I perceive that the sky is much more overcast than it has been hitherto, and in a few instants a dead lull in what is now a gale ensues with almost preternatural abruptness.

I take advantage of this to sidle down the second counterscarp, but by the time the ditch is reached the lull reveals itself to be but the precursor of a storm.