This was no accident, and now that they are setting fire to the ricks all round us, it is no time for carelessness.' 'Shall we search the offices and the outbuildings ?' asked Walpole.
'Of course not; we must stand by the house and take care that they do not enter it.

It's a strong old place, and even if they forced an entrance below, they couldn't set fire to it.' 'Could they force their way up ?' asked Walpole.
'Not if the people above have any courage.

Just come and look at the stair; it was made in times when people thought of defending themselves.' They issued forth now together to the top of the landing, where a narrow, steep flight of stone steps descended between two walls to the basement-storey.
A little more than half-way down was a low iron gate or grille of considerable strength; though, not being above four feet in height, it could have been no great defence, which seemed, after all, to have been its intention.

'When this is closed,' said Kate, shutting it with a heavy bang, 'it's not such easy work to pass up against two or three resolute people at the top; and see here,' added she, showing a deep niche or alcove in the wall, 'this was evidently meant for the sentry who watched the wicket: he could stand here out of the reach of all fire.' 'Would you not say she was longing for a conflict ?' said Nina, gazing at her.
'No, but if it comes I'll not decline it.' 'You mean you'll defend the stair ?' asked Walpole.
She nodded assent.
'What arms have you ?' 'Plenty; come and look at them.

Here,' said she, entering the dining-room, and pointing to a large oak sideboard covered with weapons, 'Here is probably what has led these people here.