His martial spirit was with Heritage, but his prudence did not sleep, and he suddenly saw a way of placating both.

"Just you listen to what I propose.

What do we amount to?
Mr.Heritage, six laddies, and myself--and I'm no more used to fighting than an old wife.

We've seven desperate villains against us, and afore night they may be seventy.

We've a fine old castle here, but for defence we want more than stone walls--we want a garrison.