She burst into tears, but I had no time to comfort her, for at that
moment the mob, discovering our direction of escape, jammed both
doorways and surged forth howling into the hall.

"Up!" I cried, forcing her forward. "Up with you; quick!"

I paused a scant second to pluck a sabre from beside a dead soldier on
the floor, and then with a spring up the intervening steps, faced about
at Brennan's side on the first landing.

"We ought to leave our mark on those incarnate devils here," he said
grimly, wiping his red blade on the carpet.

"Unless they reach the second story from without, and take us in the
rear," I answered, "we ought to hold back the whole cowardly crew, so
long as they refuse to fire."

It was a scene to abide long with a man--a horrible nightmare, never to
be forgotten. Above us, protected somewhat by the abrupt curve of the
wide staircase, crouched the women. Two were sobbing, their heads
buried in their hands, but Maria and Mrs. Brennan sat white of face and
dry-eyed. I caught one quick glance at the fair face I loved,--my sweet
lady of the North,--thinking, indeed, it might prove the last on earth,
and knew her eyes were upon me. Then, stronger of heart than ever for
the coming struggle, I fronted that scene below.

Through the rising haze of smoke I looked down into angry faces,
unkempt beards, and brandished weapons. The baffled rascals poured out
upon us from both doors, crowding into the narrow space, cursing,