Turpio told him that the negotiations were at an end and warned him not to return.

Molo went off in a rage.
"Two nights later Turpio's house was broken into by a considerable body of men, armed, certainly with clubs or staffs.

Turpio and his household defended themselves vigorously and were all severely mishandled in the affray, Turpio most severely of all.

They were overcome, even overwhelmed, and, before their neighbors could come to their assistance or the townsmen in general rally to help, Xantha was carried off by the intruders, who, beating the night watchman insensible, escaped through the postern of the north gate.
"This highhanded outrage has greatly incensed all Trebula and the entire neighborhood.

The night was very dark, neither Turpio nor any of his household nor yet the watchman at the postern claims to have recognized any of the abductors.