But now they pressed round unchecked, meeting no resistance.

They would scarcely stand back to let the sledges have swing; but hallooed and ran in on the creaking beams and beat them with their fists, whenever the gates swayed under a blow.
One stout iron bar still held its place.

And this I watched as if fascinated.

I was alone in the empty courtyard, standing a little aside, sheltered by one of the stone pillars from which the gates hung.
Behind me the door of the house stood ajar.

Candles, which the daylight rendered garish, still burned in the rooms on the first floor, of which the tall narrow windows were open.