An hour later Archie, with two hundred men, started.  No sooner had he left than Marjory called Sandy Grahame and Andrew Macpherson, whom he had left in joint command during his absence.

“Now,” she said, “I am not going to remain quiet here while Sir Archie does all the fighting, therefore do you gather all the garrison together, leaving only twenty to hold the gate.  See that the wheels of the drawbridge are well oiled, and the hinges of the gate.  Directly we see that the attack has begun upon the camp we will lower the drawbridge quietly, open the gates, and sally out.  There is no great force in the outer work.  When we have cleared that —­ which, if we are quick, we can do without alarming the camp, seeing what a confusion and uproar will be going on there —­ we will make straight along to the point where the machines are placed.  Let some of the men take axes and cut the ropes, and let others carry faggots well steeped in oil, we will pile them round the machines and light them, and thus having ensured their destruction, we will fall back again.”

“But, Lady Marjory —­ " Sandy began.

“I will have no buts, Sandy; you must just do as I order you, and I will answer to Sir Archie.  I shall myself go forth with you and see that the work is properly done.”

The two men looked doubtfully at each other.

“Now, Andrew,” Marjory said briskly, “let us have no hesitation or talk, the plan is a good one.”

“I do not say that it is not a good one,” Sandy replied cautiously, “or that it is not one that Sir Archie might have carried out if he had been here.”

“Very well, Andrew, then that is quite enough.  I give you the orders and I am responsible, and if you and Sandy do not choose to obey me, I shall call the men together myself and lead them without you.”

As Sandy and Andrew were quite conscious that their lady would be as good as her word, they at once proceeded to carry her orders into effect.  The wheels of the portcullis and drawbridge were oiled, as were the bolts and hinges of the gate.  The men were formed up in the courtyard, where presently they were joined by Marjory who had put on a light steel cap and a shirt of mail, and who had armed herself with a light sword.  The men gathered round her enthusiastically, and would have burst into cheers had she not held up her hand to command silence.

“I will to the wall now,” she said, “to watch for the signal.  The instant the attack begins and the attention of those in the outwork is called that way, draw up the portcullis noiselessly and open the gate, oil the hinges of the drawbridge and have everything in readiness; then I will join you.  Let the drawbridge be lowered swiftly, and as it falls we will rush across.  You have, I suppose, told off the men who are to remain behind.  Tell them that when the last of us have crossed they are to raise the drawbridge a few feet, so that none can cross it until we return.”