From these, when the approach of strangers was reported, a number of wild looking figures poured out, armed with weapons of the most primitive description.
A shout from Archie's guides assured these people that the newcomer was not, as his appearance betokened him, a Norman knight, but a visitor from Scotland who sought a friendly interview with the chief.
Insignificant as was the hold, it was evident that something like feudal discipline was kept up.

Two men, armed with pikes, were stationed on the wall, while two others leant in careless fashion against the posts of the open gate.

On the approach of Archie an elderly man, with a long white beard, came out to meet them.

Ronald explained to him that Archie was a knight who had come as an emissary from the King of Scotland to the Irish chieftains, and desired to speak with the great Fergus of Killeen.

The old man bowed deeply to Archie, and then escorted him into the house.
The room which they entered occupied the whole of the ground floor of the hold, and was some thirty feet wide by forty long.