ntly with intention to terrify rather than
wound, for the plaster came tumbling down from several feet above her head;
and now the knocking at the door was redoubled, and with a noise that
resounded through the house.

'Wouldn't you advise her to give up the arms and let them go?' said Nina,
in a whisper to Walpole; but though she was deadly pale there was no tremor
in her voice.

'The door is giving way, the wood is completely rotten. Now for the stairs.
Mr. Walpole, you're going to stand by me?'

'I should think so, but I'd rather you'd remain here. I know my ground
now.'

'No, I must be beside you. You'll have to keep a rolling fire, and I can
load quicker than most people. Come along now, we must take no light with
us--follow me.'

'Take care,' said Nina to Walpole as he passed, but with an accent so full
of a strange significance it dwelt on his memory long after.

'What was it Nina whispered you as you came by?' said Kate.

'Something about being cautious, I think,' said he carelessly.

'Stay where you are, Mathew,' said the girl, in a severe tone, to the old
servant, who was officiously pressing forward with a light.

'Go back!' cried she, as he persisted in following her.

'That's the worst of all our troubles here, Mr. Walpole,' said she boldly;
'you cannot depend on the people of your own household. The very people you
have nursed in sickness, if they only belong to some secret association,
will betray you!' She made no secret of her words, but spoke them loud
enough to be heard by the group of servants now gathered on the landing.
Noiseless she tripped down the stairs, and passed into the little dark
alcove, followed by Walpole, carrying any amount of guns and carbines under
his arm.

'These are loaded, I presume?' said he.

'All, and ready capped. The short carbine is charged with a sort of
canister shot, and keep it for a short range--if they try to pass over
the iron gate. Now mind me, and I will give you the directions I heard my
father give on this spot once before. Don't fire till they reach the foot
of the stair.'

'I cannot hear you,' said he, for the din beneath, where they battered at
the door, was now deafening.

'They'll be in in another moment--there, the lock has fallen off--the door
has given way,' whispered she; 'be steady now, no hurry--steady and calm.'

As she spoke, the heavy oak door fell to the ground, and a perfect silence
succeeded to the late din. After an instant, m