Jamie's voice died away. He had told the other commanders, plus Sir Rodrigo, Father Calgacus, and the two youngsters, of what he knew of the results of the bombardment that now had been going on for nearly a full day. He had explained that they had expended nearly half of their supply of projectiles, and that the powder was going at about the same rate.
"If we dinnae hear frae Laird Paul by mid-day on the morraew, we shall have failed tae take the fortress. Then it becomes a stand-off. We can nae take it by shear numbers, and they can nae drive us awa'. Yet we must nae let it coome tae this. Tha' will give them heart tae resist. We must find a wa' tae get in." Jamie paused and pulled at his chin, deep in thought. There was something in his mind that was trying to get his attention, but he could not quite bring it into focus. After a few moments thought on the matter, he continued.
"I need ideas, my friends, guid auns that either will crack tha' shell oor else draw the enemy oot. Ony sich ideas will be appreciated, starting a'noo." He shut his mouth and listened. No one spoke for a long few minutes, but then one of the Irish Captains asked a question. He wanted to know if they should try to draw out some of the enemy by launching a taunting raid against the gate into the Citadel.
Jamie thought on this idea for a time, considering how such a move might be utilized to best advantage. At last he spoke to the question.
"Aye, Donovan, ready thy men. A half hour from the time this meeting ends, I want thee tae be charging the gate. But first the ithers and the Scots must move quickly as soon as we adjourn. They must move to positions from whence they can see the gate and see men coome oot. If ony dae, they must mount a charge in right awa' behind the English and try tae force the gate tae ope. Let us gi'e tha' a try, and then we shall see wha' we make of things.
It was at that moment that a young soldier burst in, recovered himself, and then hurried to place himself before Jamie. "Sor General," he sputtered, "the Commander of the sentries orders me tae tell thee an' these ithers tha' we have seen wha' luiks tae be a monnie an' a woomon at the window of the high to're. They seem to be waving, but wha' it is aboot we dinnae ken."
Jamie thanked the man and sent him back to his commander. Then he looked out at the group gantered around him. With a casual wave, he dismissed the meeting and then led the people who had attended it out to look toward the Northwest tower.
|