Now whilst F---- was hurriedly taking down his double-barrelled gun from its bracket just below this aperture, and I held the candlestick with so shaky a hand that the extinguisher clattered like a castanet, this door was slowly lifted up, and a large white face, with dishevelled stubbly hair and wide-open blue eyes, looked down through the cobwebs, saying in a husky whisper, "Could you let me have a rifle, or any thing ?" This was our gallant cadet, who had no idea of presenting himself at a disadvantage before the foe.
I had desperately seized a revolver, but F---- declared that if I persisted in carrying it I certainly should go first, as he did not wish to be shot in the back.
We held a hurried council of war,--Mr.A---- assisting through the trap door, and the maids breathing suggestions through the partition-planks,--but the difficulty consisted in determining at which door the knocking was going on.

Some said one, and some another (for there were many modes of egress from the tiny dwelling); but at last F---- cried decidedly, "We must try them all in succession," and shouldering his gun, with the revolver sticking in the girdle of his dressing-gown, sallied valiantly forth.

I don't know what became of Mr.A----: I believe he took up a position with the rifle pointing downwards; the maids retreated beneath their blankets, and I (too frightened to stay behind) followed closely, armed with an Indian boar-spear.

F---- flung the hall door wide open, and called out, "Who's there ?" but no one answered.

The silence was intense, and so was the cold; therefore we returned speedily indoors to consult.