re with you, say that you are an English officer, and that the
ladies are under your charge. I do not apprehend that you will be
molested; go, therefore, lose no time."

He wrung my hand as if he would take no denial. I of course, although
unwilling to leave him, was ready to carry out his wishes. I hastened
to the room where I had left Madame La Touche and Sophie, and explained
to them what La Touche wished them to do.

"But will he follow us?" asked Madame La Touche in an agitated tone.

"He has promised to do so, madame," I answered; "but let us not delay,
lest the mob should get round to the other side of the house and cut off
our retreat."

Madame La Touche hesitated no longer, but allowed me to lead her and her
daughter down to the yard at the back of the house, where we found the
horses already put to, and I handed the ladies into the carriage. The
coachman mounted the box; another servant was holding the two riding
horses; and I was preparing to mount, when Larry, sent by La Touche,
came springing down the steps and was in his saddle in a moment. The
French servant mounted behind the carriage; and the coach drove off down
an avenue which led along the banks of a stream running through the
pleasure-grounds. I was in hopes that La Touche would have followed at
once, for I saw that there was very little probability of his being able
successfully to defend the house against the savage mob who had resolved
to destroy it. I could hear the wild shrieks and shouts and cries of
the assailants, the rattle of musketry, and the loud thundering against
the doors and windows; but, anxious as I felt about my friend, my duty
was to push on with my charges, and with all possible speed to convey
them out of danger. The coachman was equally desirous to preserve his
mistress, and lashed on his horses at their utmost speed. Fortunately
he knew the road, which was an unusually good one.

We were soon outside the grounds belonging to the chateau. Proceeding
along a road which ran parallel with the river, we soon got beyond the
sounds of the strife; but on looking round I saw a bright light suddenly
appear in the direction of the chateau. It increased in size. Another
and another appeared; and I could distinguish the flames bursting out
from several windows. Could the mob so soon have broken into the
chateau, and set it on fire? I feared the worst, and that my gallant
friend and his servants had been overwhelmed, and