Gradually her sight and power of speech faded, and she sank into the state of coma which was the prelude of death, and lay quiet and motionless, seeming as if life had already departed.

Suddenly Walter was surprised by the sound of many heavy feet ascending the stairs.

He went out into the ante-room to learn the cause of this strange tumult, when five armed men, one of whom was masked, rushed into the room.

Walter caught up his sword from the table.
"Ruffians," he exclaimed, "how dare you desecrate the abode of death ?" Without a word the men sprang upon him.

For a minute he defended himself against their attacks, but he was still weak, his guard was beaten down, and a blow felled him to the ground.
"Now settle her," the masked man exclaimed, and the band rushed into the adjoining room.