You'll have to keep a rolling fire, and I can load quicker than most people.

Come along now, we must take no light with us--follow me.' 'Take care,' said Nina to Walpole as he passed, but with an accent so full of a strange significance it dwelt on his memory long after.
'What was it Nina whispered you as you came by ?' said Kate.
'Something about being cautious, I think,' said he carelessly.
'Stay where you are, Mathew,' said the girl, in a severe tone, to the old servant, who was officiously pressing forward with a light.
'Go back!' cried she, as he persisted in following her.
'That's the worst of all our troubles here, Mr.Walpole,' said she boldly; 'you cannot depend on the people of your own household.

The very people you have nursed in sickness, if they only belong to some secret association, will betray you!' She made no secret of her words, but spoke them loud enough to be heard by the group of servants now gathered on the landing.
Noiseless she tripped down the stairs, and passed into the little dark alcove, followed by Walpole, carrying any amount of guns and carbines under his arm.
'These are loaded, I presume ?' said he.
'All, and ready capped.

The short carbine is charged with a sort of canister shot, and keep it for a short range--if they try to pass over the iron gate.

Now mind me, and I will give you the directions I heard my father give on this spot once before.