They did not know what he was doing or what was toward.

They were in entire ignorance that a shutter had become detached from its hinges in the room above the drawing-room and that they would soon have to face an attack from the rear.

The man who climbed fancied himself perfectly secure, and indeed he was from those within.

It was a hard climb, but presently he reached the window-ledge.

His hands clasped it, he made a brave effort, drew himself up and on the instant from beyond the wagons came a pistol shot.