Two will be sufficient to hold the stairs, at any rate for the present.

Do you, Cameron, take your place on the tower, and drop stones over on any who may try to make their way round from behind; even if you do no harm you will make them careful and delay the operation, and every hour now is of consequence." Malcolm's instructions were carried out, and all was in readiness before the peasants, some of whom had to go considerable distances, had returned with the powder.
The lesson of the previous evening had evidently not been lost upon the peasants, for Malcolm saw a tall man who was acting as their leader wave his hand, and those who had brought the powder started to make a detour round the church.

Malcolm, finding that no movement was being made towards the front, and that at present he could do nothing from his loophole, ran up to the top of the tower and took his place by the soldier who was lying down on the roof and looking over the edge.
Presently the first of the peasants appeared round the corner of the main building, and dashed rapidly across to the angle of the tower.

Two heavy stones were dropped, but he had passed on long before they had reached the bottom.

Man after man followed, and Malcolm, seeing that he could do nothing to stop them, again ran down.