Some, however, stood in the hollows and inequalities of the stone platform, where it had again frozen into ice.
As the supply would be very precious, Malcolm directed that before any moved about on the platform every piece of ice should be carefully taken up and carried below.

Here it was melted over the fire in one of the iron caps, and was found to furnish three quarts of water.

The appearance of Malcolm and his companion on the tower had been hailed by a shout of hatred and exultation by the peasants; but the defenders had paid no attention to the demonstration, and had continued their work as if regardless of the presence of their enemies.
On his return to the platform Malcolm found, looking over the low parapet, that on the side farthest from the church great icicles hung down from the mouth of the gutter, the water having frozen again as it trickled from the platform.

These icicles were three or four inches in diameter and many feet in length.

They were carefully broken off, and were laid down on the platform where they would remain frozen until wanted.