ground. The point where the road reached the plateau was some three
hundred yards from the gateway, and as Hector galloped towards
the walls it was evident that he was recognized, for shouts were
raised by the men on guard and the drawbridge over the fosse --
cut in the solid rock along the foot of the wall -- was lowered.

As he rode across it the gate swung open and MacIntosh ran out to
meet him.

"Is all well, old friend?" Hector asked as he sprang from his horse
and clasped the sergeant's hand.

"All is well so far, colonel; still, I am glad indeed that you have
returned, for at any moment trouble may begin. We hear that the
peasants mean to attack us. I hardly think they will venture to
do so, but I have no doubt they will play havoc on the estate and
burn every house, because the tenants, instead of joining them,
have come up here to aid in the defence. It was a good day indeed
when madam and her daughter came here, they have made themselves
so loved by the tenants that they would do anything for them. Ah,
if all the ladies of France had been as good to their people as
they have been, we should not have these troubles on hand! Here
they come to welcome you."

Hector hurried across the outer court, where two lines of palings
had been erected, forming a passage from one gate to the other,
and keeping back the animals that crowded the enclosure.

"Welcome back, welcome back, Colonel Campbell!" the baroness said
as she came up with both hands extended, and her words were echoed