Attempts were made, by pouring water down upon the faggots, to extinguish the flames; but the time taken, in conveying the water up from the courtyard, enabled the fire to get such hold that the attempt was abandoned.
"It is just as well," Francois said.

"If we could extinguish the fire, we should lose the benefit of the surprise we have prepared for them." In a quarter of an hour, light flames began to flicker up at the edges of the great gates.
"Do you stay here with me, Philip," Francois said.

"Our own band will take post here.

They are more accustomed to hand-to-hand fighting.

The tenants will guard the wall.