HIE SMUGGLER. 429 



heard, calling from above: "They are Coming Up, Harris I 

 Tell the officer." 



Sir Edward Digby had, in the mean time, advanced to the 

 gates to insure that they were securely fastened; but he heard 

 what Harding said, and turning his head, exclaimed: "Go 

 into the church, and garnish the windows with marksmen, as 

 I said. I will be with you in a moment. Here, Somers, 

 help me here for a moment. They will soon pull this down;'' 

 and he proceeded calmly to fasten the barricade more strongly. 

 Before he had accomplished this to his satisfaction, men oa 

 horseback were seen gathering thick in the road, and on the 

 little open space in front; but he went on without pausing to 

 look at them, till a loud voice exclaimed: "What are you 

 about there? Do you intend to give the men up or not?" 



Sir Edward Digby then raised his head, and replied: " Cer- 

 tainly not! Oh! Mr. Richard Radford, you will have the 

 goodness to remark that if you advance one step towards these 

 gates, or attempt to pass that wall, you will be fired on from 

 the church." 



While he was speaking, he took a step back, and then 

 walked slowly towards the building, making his servant go 

 first; but half-way thither he paused, and turning towards the 

 ruffians congregated at a little distance from the wall, he 

 added aloud, addressing Richard Radford: " You had better 

 tell your gang what I say, my good friend, for they will find 

 we will keep our word." 



As he spoke, some one from the mass fired a pistol at him ; 

 but the ball did not take effect, and Digby raised his hand, 

 waving to those in the church not to fire, and at the same time 

 hurrying his pace a little till he had passed the door and or- 

 dered it to be shut. 



"They have now fair warning, " he said to one of the young 

 Plarrises, who was en guard at the door; "but I will go up 

 above and call to you when I think anything is necessary to 

 be done. Remember, my good fellows, that some order must 

 be kept; and as you cannot all be at the windows, let those 

 who must stand back load while the rest fire." 



Thus saying, he mounted to the top of the tower with a 

 quick step, and found Harding and five others on the roof. 

 The horsemen in front of the church were all gathered toge- 

 ther at a little distance, and seemed in eager consultation ; and 



