by one at a distance. The streets were almost deserted until, just
as they approached the inn, a number of rough men rushed out from
side alleys and doorways. Hector had just time to throw himself
with his back to a house and draw his sword. Paolo's knife had
levelled the first man who approached, and then drawing his sword
he took his place by the side of his master. The ruffians stood
round, each anxious to be the first to strike, and yet fearful
of meeting the sword that had, as they had heard, mastered three
gentlemen.

"Run in at him, fools!" a man in a cloak, with his hat pulled down
over his eyes, and keeping in the rear of the others, shouted.

Before his orders could be carried out there was a sudden movement,
and four men burst through them and joined Hector. The assailants
hesitated.

But again the man behind shouted: "Cowards, there are but six of
them, and you are five-and-twenty, are you such curs that you are
afraid to attack when you are nigh five to one?"

Then, with a hoarse yell the crowd rushed forward. One was struck
down by a heavy cudgel, three fell on the pavement, and another
one tottered back disabled, but others took their places, and for
a time the little band were hardly pressed. The four Scotchmen
fought stoutly, but although fair swordsmen they gained no great
advantage over their opponents until they betook them to their
pistols, when several of their assailants fell, but not without
inflicting wounds. Paolo also fought well, and brought three to
the ground. Hector, however, took the offensive, and before his