He placed one mounted sentry at the entrance to the village, and another a quarter of a mile on the road towards Kilcowan.
At nine o'clock, he heard the sound of a horse galloping up to the door, and ran out.

It was the sentry at the end of the village.
"Kilcowan is on fire, sir!" Walter looked in that direction, and saw a broad glare of light.
"Ride out, and bring in the advanced sentry," he said, "as quick as possible." He called the other men out, and bade them mount; that done, they sat, ready to ride off on the return of their comrades.
"Here they come, sir," one of the men said, "and I fancy the enemy are after them." Walter listened intently.

He could hear a deep thundering noise, which was certainly made by the hoofs of more than two horses.
"Face about, men, trot! Keep your horses well in hand, until the others come up, and then ride for it.
"Ah, what is that!" As he spoke, there was a shout from the other end of the village, followed instantly by the trampling of horses.
"They have surrounded us!" Walter exclaimed.

"Shoulder to shoulder, lads, and cut your way through.

It's our only chance.