Malcolm barred the door, and then taking down a skin of wine bade his companions take a drink.

There were loaves on the shelves, and these he cut up and handed to them.
"Quick, lads!" he said; "stamp your legs and swing your arms, and get the blood in motion.

I will keep these fellows at bay a few minutes longer." He reloaded his pistols and fired through the door, at which the peasants were now hewing with axes.

A cry and a heavy fall told him that one of the shots had taken effect.

Suddenly there was a smell of smoke.
"They have fired the roof," Malcolm said.