CHAPTER XIX: THE PEASANTS' REVOLT.
After eating a meal Hector had a talk aside with MacIntosh.
"Do you really think that these varlets will venture to attack us ?" "I do indeed," the old sergeant said.

"They have taken several places as strong as this by sudden assault.

They are desperate, and, as I hear, fight like demons, regardless as to how many fall.

As far as stout arms go we are well supplied, for there are at least a hundred men capable of bearing arms, and all have had more or less drill since I have been here.

Unfortunately, however, our wall pieces are old and scarce fit for service, several of them will, I feel sure, burst at the first discharge." "But they have no artillery at all, MacIntosh ?" "I am sorry to say that they have, sir, and a good amount of it.