As fast as the foremost fell back dead or wounded, others swarmed up.

It was well for Singleton no attempt was made on any other part but this assailable buttress, and even this was scaled at last.
The young laird had stepped back hurriedly to load his weapon, when he suddenly saw a head appear above the battlements; and next moment a fierce Lowlander sprang on to the terrace.
With the butt end of his weapon Singleton felled him, while at the same moment Jupiter flew at the throat of the man next to him who was also springing on to the wall.
It was a narrow escape indeed; and but for the dog, the castle might after all have been lost.

Once more the youth cleared the buttress, and this time with such deadly effect, that the enemy halted a moment before resuming the attack.

This short breathing space was unutterably valuable to Singleton, for it gave him time not only to load several muskets, but to bring one of the smaller cannon in position so as to almost cover the weak point.
This precaution, however, as it turned out, was not requisite; for just as the enemy were returning with redoubled fierceness and determination to the attack, there was a shout from the wood, and a cry of "Singleton to the rescue!" Well did the young chief know that cry.

He was saved! In another moment the Macfies had too much to do to defend themselves from the sudden attack in the rear to think of renewing the assault, and the youth knew well enough how to make good use of the interval.