The sacred words had just been pronounced when the rioters drew near, having carried the barricade, and driven the soldiers to take refuge in a hall on the ground floor just under the Arch-priest's room.
But suddenly, the assault was stayed, some of the men going to surround the house, others setting out on a search for the prisoners.

These were easily found, for judging by what they could hear that their brethren had come to their rescue, they shouted as loudly as they could.
The unfortunate creatures had already passed a whole week with their legs caught and pressed by the cleft beams which formed these inexpressibly painful stocks.

When the unfortunate victims were released, the fanatics screamed with rage at the sight of their swollen bodies and half-broken bones.

None of the unhappy people were able to stand.

The attack on the soldiers was renewed, and these being driven out of the lower hall, filled the staircase leading to the abbe's apartments, and offered such determine resistance that their assailants were twice forced to fall back.