tonio perceived from the
disorderly rush of men falling back like trapped animals, seeking
cover behind which to defend themselves or hide.

In the middle of the arena, the scorching rain and the showers of
falling pebbles created a circular empty space; nevertheless, some of
the more desperate assailants were bold enough to venture into it and
Simon had a fleeting vision in which he seemed to see--but was it
possible?--Old Sandstone running this way and that under a strange
umbrella made of a round sheet of metal with the edge turned down.

The mob of invaders was growing denser. They collided with groups of
men and women, brandishing sticks, old swords, scythes, hill-hooks and
axes, who fell upon the fugitives. Simon and Antonio were twice
obliged to take part in the fighting.

"The position is serious," said Simon, taking Isabel aside. "We must
risk all for all and try to find a way through. Kiss me, Isabel, as
you did on the day of the shipwreck."

She gave him her lips, saying:

"I have absolute faith in you, Simon."

After many efforts and two brushes with some ruffians who tried to
stop them, they reached the line of the barricades and crossed it
without hindrance. But in the open space outside they met fresh waves
of marauders breaking furiously against the defences, including
parties of men who seemed to be running away, rather than pursuing a
quarry. It was as though they themselves were threatened by some great
danger. Fierce and murderous for all that, they plundered the dead and
wildly attacked the living.

"Look out!" cried Simon.

It was a band of thirty or forty street-boys and hooligans, among whom
he recognized two of the tramps who had pursued him. At sight of
Simon, they egged on the gang under their command. By some ill chance
Antonio slipped and fell. Lord Bakefield was knocked down. Simon and
Isabel, caught in an eddy, felt that they were being stifled by a
mass of bodies whirling about them. Simon, however, succeeded in
seizing hold of her and levelling his revolver. He fired three times
in succession. Isabel did likewise. Two men dropped. There was a
moment's hesitation; then a new onslaught separated the lovers.

"Simon, Simon!" cried the terrified girl.

One of the tramps roared:

"The girl! Carry her off! She'll fetch her weight in gold!"

Simon tried to reach her. Twenty hands opposed his desperate efforts;
and, while defending himself, he saw Isabel pushed towards the
barric