`` Fifteen , '' said I. Alan whistled . `` Well , '' said he , `` that ca n't be cured . And now follow me . It is my part to keep this door , where I look for the main battle . In that , ye have no hand . And mind and dinnae fire to this side unless they get me down ; for I would rather have ten foes in front of me than one friend like you cracking pistols at my back . '' I told him , indeed I was no great shot . `` And that 's very bravely said , '' he cried , in a great admiration of my candour . `` There 's many a pretty gentleman that wouldnae dare to say it . '' `` But then , sir , '' said I , `` there is the door behind you , which they may perhaps break in . '' `` Ay , '' said he , `` and that is a part of your work . No sooner the pistols charged , than ye must climb up into yon bed where ye 're handy at the window ; and if they lift hand against the door , ye 're to shoot . But that 's not all . Let 's make a bit of a soldier of ye , David . What else have ye to guard ? '' `` There 's the skylight , '' said I. `` But indeed , Mr. Stewart , I would need to have eyes upon both sides to keep the two of them ; for when my face is at the one , my back is to the other . '' `` And that 's very true , '' said Alan . `` But have ye no ears to your head ? '' `` To be sure ! '' cried I. `` I must hear the bursting of the glass ! ''
`` Ye have some rudiments of sense , '' said XXXXX , grimly .
Alan Ay David Mr. Stewart back battle fire pistols shot