Nevertheless, he kept the horses again saddled all night ready to issue out at the slightest alarm.

Soon after midnight flames suddenly burst out at a dozen of the homesteads.

At the warder's shout of alarm Sir John Kerr and his men-at-arms instantly mounted.

The gate was thrown open and the drawbridge lowered, and Sir John rode out at the head of his following.

He was within a few feet of the outer end of the drawbridge when the chains which supported this suddenly snapped.