These were evidently the servants of the chateau, who had been unceremoniously hauled from their beds and gathered there, under a guard, to prevent them from screaming or giving any alarm.

As Fergus was equally anxious that no alarm should be given, at present, he retired quietly.
A pair of double doors faced the top of the staircase.

This was evidently the grand reception room and, listening intently, he could hear a murmur of voices inside.

Turning the handle and throwing them suddenly open, he entered.
Upon the floor lay the body of a gentleman.

A lady, pale as death and in a half-fainting condition, leant back in a settee; while a girl of thirteen or fourteen lay on a couch, with bound hands and a handkerchief fastened across her mouth.
Three soldiers were engaged in examining the contents of a large coffer of jewels.