These scoundrels are all killed, and there is nothing more for them to be alarmed at." Then he ran to the girl on the sofa, cut her cords with a dagger, and freed her from the gag.

As he did so, she leapt up and ran to her mother's side; while Fergus, kneeling by the gentleman who had fallen before he had entered, turned him over and, laying his ear over his heart, listened intently.
"He is alive," he said.

"His heart beats, but faintly.

Tell the maids to fetch some cordial." The women were coming in now, some crying hysterically, some shrieking afresh at the sight of the bodies that were strewn about the room.
"Silence!" Fergus shouted sternly.

"Now, while one runs to fetch some cordial, do three others come here, and aid me to lift your master gently on to this couch." The maid who had overthrown the soldier at once came forward to his assistance.
"Now, Truchen and Lisa," the young girl said, stamping her foot, "come at once.
"Do you, Caroline, run and fetch the stand of cordials from the dining room." The two women approached timidly.
"Now," Fergus said, "get your arm under his shoulders, on your side, and I will do the same.