mine into its
capabilities of defence, and, as much to get her out of the way as for
any other reason, Francesca was directed to prepare a small package of
clothing, such as would serve her for a week or so, her father informing
her that it might be necessary for her to leave the chateau for a short
time, and that in such an event I had undertaken to escort her to a
place of safety.

This done, we made a careful examination of each floor of the building,
beginning with the lowest or ground floor. The chateau was built in the
Italian style of architecture, and consisted of two wings and a lofty
central tower. The windows of the lower floor reached from near the
ceiling right down to the ground, and gave access, by means of a row of
three steps, directly to the rooms from the broad terrace along the
front. These windows were protected by strong solid shutters of oak
which were arranged to be fastened on the inside with three heavy iron
bars, one at the top, one half-way down, and one at the bottom. The
door was a very solid and substantial affair of oak thickly studded with
nails, and was so well provided with massive bolts that I felt confident
of its power to resist anything except artillery. This completed the
defences of the lower floor, so far as the front was concerned. The
back we had very little fear about; a high and solid stone wall
surmounted by a formidable _chevaux-de-frise_ extending for about thirty
yards from each wing, and then stretching back far enough to enclose the
stables and other offices, as well as a spacious kitchen-garden. The
windows of the next two floors were quite unprotected; and the count
therefore gave immediate orders to have all the available beds,
mattresses, cushions, etcetera, piled up along the lower portion of each
window, just high enough to protect a person when kneeling on the floor.
The grand staircase, which was the only one accessible from the front
entrance, was also strongly barricaded in three or four places, a sort
of breastwork being constructed on the first landing, behind which the
defenders might shelter themselves from the fire of an attacking party
below. This done, nothing remained but to collect the arms and
ammunition, muster the attendants, and await the development of events.

We had not very long to wait. Evening had closed down upon us and
deepened into night during the progress of our preparations, and the
count and I were watching from one of the