In one of the sheds a
large quantity of hides had been found, and taking a party laden with them
Wulf proceeded to the wall at the rear. Here he directed the ladders that
were still lying there to be cut up into lengths of eight feet. These were
fixed at intervals upon the parapet, and a cord fastened along the top, the
men engaged in the operations being protected by the shields of their
comrades from the rain of missiles from the trees. Hides were thrown over
the ropes, and these hid those on the wall from the view of the enemy,
while they themselves could peep out from time to time between the hides to
see that no preparations were being made for an attack.
The secret passage was next investigated; it was found that the opening was
about half-way down the rock, and that the assailants must have climbed up
by a path that a goat could scarce traverse. Wulf set a party to work to
carry down stones from the courtyard, and to block up the passage solidly
for ten feet from the opening, a sentry being posted on the wall above.
After the erection of the shelter of hides the Welsh only sent an
occasional javelin from the trees, but by the loud yells that were from
time to time raised, there was no doubt they were still there in force.
"It is evident that they are going to besiege us, Beorn," Wulf said when
they sat down to breakfast together. "The question is, are we to remain
here until rumour carries the report of our capture of the place to Gurth,
or shall we despatch messengers to him?"
"As you yourself said yesterday, the messengers could never get away, Wulf.
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