The women of lower rank assembled and clamoured in the market-place.

The yeomanry, pouring from their different glens, galloped through the streets, some individually, some in parties of five or six, as they had met on the road.

The drums and fifes of the volunteers beating to arms, were blended with the voice of the officers, the sound of the bugles, and the tolling of the bells from the steeple.

The ships in the harbour were lit up, and boats from the armed vessels added to the bustle, by landing men and guns destined to assist in the defence of the place.

This part of the preparations was superintended by Taffril with much activity.