The mob hemmed them about too closely, and then a horrid hand-to-hand fight began, under the cold light of the moon, in that garden consecrated to peace and piety.

Two saddles had been emptied, and the exasperated troopers were slashing now at their assailants with the edge, intent upon cutting a way out of that murderous press.

It is doubtful if a man of them would have survived, for the odds were fully ten to one against them.

To their aid came now the abbess.

She stood on a balcony above, and called upon the people to desist, and hear her.