Awhile she sat motionless and apparently sinking.

But it was not long before her weakness disappeared, and her face assumed a serene, undaunted expression that imparted new hope to those who were sobbing about her.

The wailing was hushed as she rose and said, calmly and without faltering: "We shall probably be attacked in a few hours by an inferior force.

Let us pray to God that we may be able to defeat their malice." In uttering this she had fallen upon her knees, and the rest of the group, imitating her example, knelt beside her.

When that solemn and fervent prayer was over, the voice of the gray palmer was again heard, as he cried: "If any man here can still hurl stone, or thrust spear, let him follow me to the walls!" About six, in whom age had not quenched the fire or strength of youth, and as many beardless youths, sprang up at the call, and accompanied the speaker out of the room.
Exclusive of this new force, the defenders of the castle were not more than twenty, yet so admirable were its defences that they might hold in check an attacking party of more than a hundred.