Shouts arose; the workmen, to the number of more than a hundred, ran off the walls, and were without hurt put forth at the wicket gate. The first thing, William Kirkaldy took the guard of the privy postern, fearing that the fox should escape. Then went the rest to the gentlemen's chambers, and without violence done to any man, put more than fifty persons to the gate. The number that enterprised and did this was but sixteen persons. The Cardinal, awakened with the shouts, asked from his window what that noise meant. It was answered that Norman Leslie had taken his Castle. This understood, he ran for his postern; but, perceiving the passage to be guarded, he returned quickly to his chamber, took his two-handed sword, and gart[90] his chamber-child move chests and other impediments to the door. [90] Caused. In the meantime came John Leslie and bade the door be opened. The Cardinal asking, "Who calls?" he answered, "My name is Leslie." He again asked, "Is that Norman?" The other said, "Nay; my name is John." "I will have Norman," said the Cardinal; "for he is my friend." "Content yourself with such as are here; ye shall get none other." With the said John were James Melvin, a man familiarly acquainted with Master George Wishart, and Peter Carmichael, a stout[91] gentleman. While they forced at the door, the Cardinal hid a box of gold under coals that were laid in a secret corner. At length he asked, "Will ye save my life?" The said John answered, "It may be that we will." "Nay," said the Cardinal, "Swear unto me by God's wounds, and I will open unto you." Then answered the said John, "It that was said, is unsaid;" and cried, "Fire, Fire," for the door was very stark.[92] Then was brought a chimley[93] full of burning coals. This perceived, the Cardinal or his chamber-child opened the door, and the Cardinal sat down in a chair and cried, "I am a priest, I am a priest; ye will not slay me." [91] Staunch. [92] Strong. [93] Fire-basket. [Sidenote: Assassination of Cardinal Beaton: 29th May 1546.]