"I wonder how many men my father has in there." "They were going over to Dexham for a holiday, all but them as was hurt," whispered Dummy.

"Come on and help, or the robbers'll get in." A pang shot through Mark, and he grasped the handle of his pick firmly, ready for a dash, but the feeling that it would be utter madness kept him back.

For he knew that even if he could strike down two of the attacking party, they must succumb to the others, and they would have done no good.
It was all plain enough.

Purlrose must have gained the information that the mine people were away, and that Sir Edward would be almost without defenders, and, out of revenge for the previous night's attack, have seized the opportunity for a reprisal.
"Why, Dummy," he whispered, with his lips close to the other's ear, "if they take the castle, they'll keep it, and turn us out." "Yes, and grab the mine," said the boy hoarsely.

"Well, we mustn't let 'em." _Bang_, _bang_, came the reports of a couple of arquebuses from one of the windows, but no harm was done, and the men answered with a derisive cheer and continued their battering of the door, which still resisted their efforts.
Another shot was fired, but still without effect, and Mark ground his teeth together as he felt the impotency of his father's efforts now that the enemy had stolen in beyond the gates that would have been admirable for defence.
"Well, aren't you going to do something, Master Mark ?" "What can I do, Dummy ?" cried the lad, in despair.