The roof and floors had been replaced, and the defences considerably strengthened.

A portcullis had been placed above the door; so that, in case of the outer wall being carried, or the gate forced, it could at once be lowered.

A projecting battlement had been thrown out over this, with openings below, through which boiling lead and pitch could be poured on an enemy trying to break in.

Flanking turrets, for archers, had been built at each corner of the house; and the exterior walls had been strengthened by towers, in the centre of each face, and on either side of the gateway.
"We shall be safe now, I think, Oswald," said Allan, who had almost recovered.

"The place can hardly be taken by a sudden attack, even by all the forces the Bairds could bring against it; and we could get help from Jedburgh, long before they could gain even the outside wall.