With thirteen fighting men to increase his little force, what might he not do?
The Edens' stronghold, with its regularly coming-in wealth, must fall before him; and, once in possession, Sir Edward Eden might petition and complain; but possession was nine points of the law, and the king had enough to do without sending a force into their wild out-of-the-way part of the world to interfere.

Once he had hold of the Black Tor, he could laugh at the law, and see the old enemy of his house completely humbled.
Sir Morton hesitated and turned his head, to find his son watching him keenly, while Captain Purlrose stood with his left hand resting on the hilt of his sword, making the scabbard cock out behind, and lift up the back of his ragged cloak, as with his right he twisted up and pointed one side of his rusty-grey fierce moustache.
The man was watching Sir Morton keenly, and his big ears twitched, as he tried to catch the whispered words which passed between father and son.
"What do you say, Ralph, lad?
With the help of these men I could easily make Eden bite the dust.

Then the Black Tor would be mine, and afterwards yours; with all the rich revenue to be drawn from the lead-mine.

It is very tempting, boy." "Yes, father," said the boy hotly, and his face flushed as he spoke; "but that's what it is--a miserable temptation.

We'll humble the Edens, and have the Black Tor and the lead-mine; but we'll win all with our swords like gentlemen, or fail.