BOOK II--THE MOAT HOUSE

CHAPTER I--DICK ASKS QUESTIONS

The Moat House stood not far from the rough forest road. Externally, it

was a compact rectangle of red stone, flanked at each corner by a round

tower, pierced for archery and battlemented at the top. Within, it

enclosed a narrow court. The moat was perhaps twelve feet wide, crossed

by a single drawbridge. It was supplied with water by a trench, leading

to a forest pool and commanded, through its whole length, from the

battlements of the two southern towers. Except that one or two tall and

thick trees had been suffered to remain within half a bowshot of the

walls, the house was in a good posture for defence.

In the court, Dick found a part of the garrison, busy with preparations

for defence, and gloomily discussing the chances of a siege. Some were

making arrows, some sharpening swords that had long been disused; but

even as they worked, they shook their heads.

Twelve of Sir Daniel's party had escaped the battle, run the gauntlet

through the wood, and come alive to the Moat House. But out of this

dozen, three had been gravely wounded: two at Risingham in the disorder

of the rout, one by John Amend-All's marksmen as he crossed the forest.

This raised the force of the garrison, counting Hatch, Sir Daniel, and

The Black Arrow