Page 526 of 788

Thaddeus, who by his uncle's orders had remained in the house to

protect the women, hearing how the battle was becoming ever

fiercer and fiercer, ran out, and after him rushed the

Chamberlain, to whom Thomas had at last brought his sabre; he

hurriedly joined the gentry and took his place at their head. He

ran forward, raising his weapon, and the gentry moved after him.

The yagers, letting them come near, poured upon them a hail of

bullets; Isajewicz, Wilbik, and Razor fell wounded; then the

gentry were checked by Robak on one side and Maciej on the other.

The gentry cooled in their ardour, glanced about, and retired;

the Muscovites saw this, and Captain Rykov planned to give the

final blow, to drive the gentry from the yard and seize the

mansion.

"Form for the attack!" he cried. "Charge bayonets! Forward!"