The walls inclosed a space of some two acres, in the centre of which stood the castle.

This had been to some extent modernized--windows having taken the place of loopholes in the upper floors, while those looking into the inner courtyard extended to the ground.

The point where the road reached the plateau was some three hundred yards from the gateway, and as Hector galloped towards the walls it was evident that he was recognized, for shouts were raised by the men on guard and the drawbridge over the fosse--cut in the solid rock along the foot of the wall--was lowered.
As he rode across it the gate swung open and MacIntosh ran out to meet him.
"Is all well, old friend ?" Hector asked as he sprang from his horse and clasped the sergeant's hand.
"All is well so far, colonel; still, I am glad indeed that you have returned, for at any moment trouble may begin.

We hear that the peasants mean to attack us.

I hardly think they will venture to do so, but I have no doubt they will play havoc on the estate and burn every house, because the tenants, instead of joining them, have come up here to aid in the defence.