The present raid, from which the party was returning, had been
organized partly to recoup those who took part in it for the loss of
their cattle on that occasion, and partly to take vengeance upon the
Bairds. As was the custom on both sides of the border, these
expeditions were generally composed of members of half a dozen
families, with their followers; the one who was, at once, most
energetic and best acquainted with the intricacies of the country, and
the paths across fells and moors, being chosen as leader.
Presently, Oswald Forster saw one of the party wave his hand; and at
his order four or five of the horsemen rode out, and began to drive the
scattered cattle and horses towards the house. Oswald at once ran down.
"Father is all right, Mother. He has just given orders to the men, and
they are driving all the animals in, so I suppose that the Bairds must
be in pursuit. I had better tell the men to get on their armour."
Without waiting for an answer, he told six men, who were eating their
breakfast at the farther end of the room, to make an end of their meal,
and get on their steel caps and breast and back pieces, and take their
places in the turret over the gate into the yard.
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