The thud of the axes and the crash of rending timbers could be heard from one end of Tavora to the other, yet from the convent it evoked no slightest response.

But presently, as the door began to yield to the onslaught, there came another sound to arouse the town.

From the belfry of the little church a bell suddenly gave tongue upon a frantic, hurried note that spoke unmistakably of alarm.

Ding-ding-ding-ding it went, a tocsin summoning the assistance of all true sons of Mother Church.
Mr.Butler, however, paid little heed to it.

The door was down at last, and followed by his troopers he rode under the massive gateway into the spacious close.