dy and a dozen retainers are holding a tower, but they
cannot long resist; even now the place may have been captured. I broke
my way through, and, hearing that there were troops in this direction, I
have galloped at full speed to implore your aid."

"How far is it?"

"About ten miles."

"You hear, de Mieville; bring the men on with all speed. I will gallop
forward with my troopers and do what I can. Do I go straight along the
road?"

"Yes, sir, nine miles hence you will see the chateau on an eminence a
mile away to the right."

Followed by his troopers and Paolo, Hector dashed off at full speed. In
three quarters of an hour, at a turn of the road, they caught sight of
the chateau. Flames were pouring through most of the windows.

"Now, lads," he said to the men, "we have got long odds to face, but
there is a lady to be rescued, and if any men can accomplish it we
will."

The chateau was partly castellated, the new portion having been built
against what had formerly been a small castle. On its summit a flag was
still flying. Riding on at the top of their speed they soon saw a number
of men swarming round a gate which opened into the older portion of the
building.

"Put your pistols in your belts, lads. Don't use them if you can help
it, but trust to your swords. Cut your way through that crowd. Ride in
at the gate, and dismount at the door leading up to the turret. Then do
you, Macpherson and Hunter, cover our rear while we fight our way up the
steps. Follow us as we go, and if you want aid, shout and we will come
down to you."

On hearing the sound of the galloping hoofs the peasants for a moment
made a movement of retreat, but when they saw that the six horsemen were
alone, they began to gather courage, and again waved their arms, which
were mostly axes, or poles to which scythes or billhooks were attached.
Riding three abreast, the horsemen burst in among them, hewing and
hacking with their swords; and the crowd, unable to resist the impetus
of the charge, opened a way for them, and in a moment they had passed
through the gate. A group of men round an open door that marked the
position of the turret stairs, scattered with cries of alarm as they
galloped up. In a moment they sprang from their horses and entered the
doorway. The stairs were narrow, and but one man could mount and use his
weapons at a time. They were, however, densely packed with men.

Hector sprang up, closely followed by the others. The re