“What has she to do with it?” exclaimed the Captain. “To look at her, one would say she was deep in the whole business.” A second gesture, more urgent than before, now summoned the party to make haste. Through the Place, crowded as it was by an armed and excited multitude, way was rapidly made for the little party who now issued from the door of the hotel. Kate Henderson walked in front, with Massingbred at her side talking eagerly, and by his gestures seeming as though endeavoring to extenuate or explain away something in his conduct; next came Lady Dorothea, supported between her husband and her son, and while walking slowly and with faltering steps, still carrying her head proudly erect, and gazing on the stern faces around her with looks of haughty contempt. After them were a numerous retinue of servants, with such effects as they had got hurriedly together,--a terror-struck set, scarcely able to crawl along from fear. As they drew nigh the barricade, some men proceeded to remove a heavy wagon which adjoined a house, and by the speed and activity of their movements, urged on as they were by the orders of one in command, it might be seen that the operation demanded promptitude. “We are scarcely safe in this,” cried the officer. “See! they are making signs to us from the windows,--the troops are coming. If you pass out now, you will be between two fires.” “There is yet time,” said Kate, eagerly. “Our presence in the street, too, will delay them, and give you some minutes to prepare. And as for ourselves, we shall gain one of the side-streets easily enough.” “Tie your handkerchief to your cane, sir,” said the officer to Massingbred. “My flag is ready,” said Jack, gayly; “I only hope they may respect it.” “Now--now!” cried Kate, with eagerness, and beckoning to Lady Dorothea to hasten, “the passage is free, and not a second to be lost!” “Are you not coming with us?” whispered Martin to her, as they passed out. “Yes; I'll follow. But,” added she, in a lower tone, “were the choice given me, it is here I 'd take my stand.” She looked full at Massingbred as she spoke, and, bending down his head, he said, “Had it been your place, it were mine also!” “Quick,--quick, my Lady,” said Kate. “They must close up the passage at once. They are expecting an attack.” And so saying, she motioned rapidly to Martin to move on. “The woman is a fiend,” said Lady Dorothea; “see how her eyes sparkle, and mark the wild exultation of her features.” “Adieu, sir,--adieu!” said Kate, waving her hand to one who seemed the chief of the party. “All my wishes are with you. Were I a man, my hand should guarantee my heart.” “Come--come back!” cried the officer. “You are too late. There comes the head of the column.” “No, never--never!” exclamed Lady Dorothea, haughtily; “protection from such as these is worse than any death.”