The count, without a word, pitched forward among the soldiers; and two of the retainers also fell.

Then the crowd surged up again.
Philip fought desperately for a time.

Another shot rang out, and he felt a sudden smart across his cheek.

He turned and bounded up the stairs, paused a moment at the top, and discharged his two pistols at the leaders of the assailants; pulled to the door of the count's chamber, leaving the corridor in darkness, and then sprang up the stairs.

When he reached the door of the unused room by which they had entered, he fastened it behind him, got through the window and closed it after him, and then rapidly made his way along the roofs, until he reached his own.