The attacking party, of whom Hal was not one, reserved their fire, and seemed bent upon coming to close quarters.  Grimly determined to make it warm for them when they did close with him, the defender sprang on to the roof, and, regardless of the fact that he was exposing himself recklessly, took up his stand by the flagstaff, and, throwing down his catapult, whirled his lasso wildly round his head.