He has just given orders to the men, and they are driving all the animals in, so I suppose that the Bairds must be in pursuit.

I had better tell the men to get on their armour." Without waiting for an answer, he told six men, who were eating their breakfast at the farther end of the room, to make an end of their meal, and get on their steel caps and breast and back pieces, and take their places in the turret over the gate into the yard.

In a few minutes the animals began to pour in, first those of the homestead, then the captured herd, weary and exhausted with their long and hurried journey; then came the master, with his followers.
Mary Forster and her son stood at the top of the steps, ready to greet him.

The gate into the yard was on the opposite side to that of the doorway of the fortalice, in order that assailants who had carried it should have to pass round under the fire of the archers in the turrets, before they could attack the building itself.
She gave a little cry as her husband came up.

His left arm was in a sling, his helmet was cleft through, and a bandage showed beneath it.
"Do not be afraid, wife," he said cheerily.