But, crying the alarm word of the town, and giving the signal at which the burghers were wont to collect, he rushed on the night walkers, one of whom was in the act of ascending the ladder.

The smith seized it by the rounds, threw it down on the pavement, and placing his foot on the body of the man who had been mounting, prevented him from regaining his feet.

His accomplices struck fiercely at Henry, to extricate their companion.

But his mail coat stood him in good stead, and he repaid their blows with interest, shouting aloud, "Help--help, for bonny St.Johnston! Bows and blades, brave citizens! bows and blades! they break into our houses under cloud of night." These words, which resounded far through the streets, were accompanied by as many fierce blows, dealt with good effect among those whom the armourer assailed.

In the mean time, the inhabitants of the district began to awaken and appear on the street in their shirts, with swords and targets, and some of them with torches.