As the day was drawing to a close, a band of plunderers entered, who, after ransacking the house, descended to the cellarage.

Finding the door barred, they forced it open with gunpowder.

The mother, who was nearest the entrance, fell dead on the threshold.

Stepping across her mangled body, the brigands sprang upon her daughter, loudly demanding the property which they believed to be concealed.

They likewise insisted on being informed where the master of the house had taken refuge.
Protestations of ignorance as to hidden treasure, or the whereabouts of her husband, who, for aught she knew, was lying dead in the streets, were of no avail.