od of my countrymen if
it can be avoided; I will give them another chance. You are in our
power, friends," he shouted out; "if we fire, not one of you will
escape. Go back to where you came from, and your lives will be spared."

Derisive shouts were the only answers given to what La Touche had said.
More people were all the time clambering over the wall, while continued
blows on the gate showed that the mob had not given up the idea of
forcing an entrance. Presently there was a loud crash, the gate was
thrown open, and in rushed a number of savage-looking fellows, all armed
with some weapon or other, many of them carrying torches, which they
waved wildly above their heads, shouting all the time, "Down with the
aristocrats! Revenge! revenge for the wrongs they have done us!"

"They are in earnest, of that there can be no doubt," said La Touche.
"We must drive them back before they become more daring. It is useless
to hold further parley with them;" and he gave orders to our small
garrison to open fire.

Loud shrieks and cries rent the air, several people were seen to fall,
but this only increased the rage of the rest, who, running up to the
front door with axes and other weapons, began hacking away at it,
probably expecting quickly to force it open.

More and more people followed, until the whole yard was full of men
surging here and there, some firing, others waving their torches,
apparently to distract our attention, while the more determined assailed
the doors and windows.

"Are there no troops likely to come to our assistance?" I asked, seeing
that matters were growing serious.

"No; we must defend ourselves, and I fear that if these ruffians
persevere, they will succeed at last," whispered La Touche to me. "We
must endeavour to save my mother and sister, for the mob, if they once
get in, will sacrifice them as well as the rest of us. I am resolved to
stop and defend my house to the last, but I must provide for their
safety by committing them to your charge. The carriage is in readiness,
and there are two faithful servants to whom I have given orders how to
act. Go, I beseech you, at once, and request my mother and Sophie to
enter the carriage and set out without a moment's delay. Two
saddle-horses are in readiness for you and your servant. You will go as
their escort. Tell them I will retreat in time to follow them. Take
the road towards Paris, and wait for me. Should any one attempt to
interfe