These rallied directly, and pikes were swung round and directed at the flanking parties, but the momentary check gave the men in front the opportunity to rush close up to the breastwork, which now became their protection, the defenders, having fallen back, becoming in turn exposed. The fight now became furious, for the marauders began to back toward the mouth of the cave, giving way step by step, as the length of their line was gradually contracted by one after another dashing in, till all had passed into the narrow passage, the first men blocking the way with the heads of their pikes, while their fellows stooped and crept beneath, till the last was in safety. It is needless to say that an attempt to follow would have meant instant death. A cheer now rose from the attacking party, who had achieved the taking of the outwork, and Sir Edward forced his way to his son's side, to clap him on the shoulder, as he stood just out of reach of the defenders' bristling pikes, which effectually barred the way. "We have them now, Mark," he cried. "Pass the word there for Daniel Rugg." But a low growl on the other side of the wall told that there was no need to pass any word. As soon as he saw that there was a chance for the next step, Dan had signed to Dummy, who trotted forward with lantern, fuse, and powder-bag, and father and son climbed into the little fort a few feet away from the opening into the cavern. "Silence!" roared Sir Edward now--"you within there, lay down your arms, and march out at once." A defiant yell came from the holders of the pikes, enraging Nick Garth to such an extent that he picked up a block of stone from the top of the breastwork, raised it above his head, and dashed it into the doorway, Ram Jennings following suit with another. The stones crashed in among the pikes with plenty of rattling, and a burst of yells followed as the men picked up a couple more. "Stop, there," cried Sir Edward sternly. "You can do no good, and I want the wall left sound for our own protection." Nick growled savagely, but he obeyed, and the men all stood fast at the cavern's mouth with presented pikes, ready to attack if any movement was made by the defenders, while Dan Rugg and his son quickly prepared their missile. "Ready," shouted Dan from where he stood inside the wall with, his back to the men, and with Dummy looking intensely interested standing ready with the lantern. "You, in there," cried Sir Edward now, "will you surrender?" "No," cried a hoarse voice from inside. "Go back with your ragged pack of hungry hounds, or we'll come and burn you out as we did the other idiot." "Once more," cried Sir Edward, who still hesitated to proceed to the sternest measures; "will you give up your prisoners and surrender?" "Bah! Laugh at him, boys," cried the same hoarse voice: and another derisive yell arose. "Out with you, my lads," cried Sir Edward; and his men sprang over the wall again.