Most of these threw themselves upon their knees.

A few of the men followed their example, and prepared to die unresistingly.

Some sprang away among the trees, and above the din the preacher's voice was heard commencing a Huguenot hymn beginning, "The gates of heaven are opened;" in which, without a moment's hesitation, those who remained around him joined.
In a moment, with savage shouts and yells, their assailants were upon them, smiting and thrusting.

With a shout, Philip spurred forward from the other side.

He saw at once that, against such numbers, he and his three followers could do nothing; but his rage at this massacre of innocent people--a scene common enough in France, but which he now for the first time witnessed--half maddened him.
One of the horsemen, whom he recognized at once as the man Pierre had knocked down with the plate, rode at the girl Philip had been watching; and who was standing, with upturned face, joining in the hymn.