But still we must try.

The first thing is to protect ourselves from a sudden attack, and this will be easy.

Now, my lads, every man take in a block of stone, and carry it into the cavern as far as the end of the first chamber.

Take these from the breastwork; we do not want it now, for we shall encamp inside." Mark nodded approval, and the men, glad that the night's fighting was at an end, set to work with a will, after laying their arms aside; and in less than an hour had walled up to a great thickness the narrow exit from the cavern, wedging in the top stones with blows, and in spite of the want of mortar producing a good solid piece of work, through which no pikes could be thrust.
This done, Sir Edward reduced his force to one-third, this being plenty to defend the wall should it be attacked from the inner side; and the rest were sent back to the Tor Castle, for provisions and blankets.
"Now, Mark, lad," said Sir Edward, "the thing to consider is, how long can the enemy hold out ?" "Not long, father," replied the lad; "they cannot have a very good supply." "That," said Sir Edward, "remains to be proved.".