As he expected, in a moment the window darkened, and the figure of a man was seen trying to look out into the darkness.

As he leaned against the glass, Rupert discharged both his pistols into his body, and then, leaping up, dashed in the window, and leapt over the man's body into the room.
Maria had sprung up with a scream.
"You are safe, Maria," Rupert exclaimed, as he ran to the door.
"Here is your father." The discharge of the pistol had been the signal, and with it came a sound of heavy blows, the crashing of timber, and the shivering of glass.

Then rose shouts and furious exclamations, and then a great tramping sounded through the late silent house.

Doors and windows had all given way at the onset; and as Sir Richard Fulke with eight comrades rushed upstairs, Hugh and his party ran down.
Torches had been provided, and lanterns, and as three of Hugh's men carried them the broad landing was lighted up.

Sir Richard Fulke first turned to the door of Maria's room, but there Rupert and two followers stood with drawn swords.
"Cut them down! Cut them down!" he shouted; but the rush of Hugh, Joe Sedley, and the rest swept him back, and he fought now to defend his life.
Up the stairs from behind ran the officers who had gained entry by the windows; and the outlaws saw themselves surrounded and hedged in.