'The cowardly roughs! Give me the handkerchief--I'll tie it. Emma!'
'Think of your own safety,' she replied hurriedly. 'I tell you I
don't feel any pain. Do you think you can get them to listen to
you?'
'I'll try. There's nothing else for it. You stand at the back of the
room; they may throw something at me.'
'Oh, then, don't open the window! They can't break the door. Some
help will come.'
'They _will_ break the door. You'd be as safe among wild beasts as
among those fellows if they get into the house.'
He threw up the sash, though Emma would not go from his side. In the
street below was a multitude which made but one ravening monster;
all its eyes were directed to the upper storeys of this house.
Mutimer looked to the right and to the left. In the latter quarter
he saw the signs of a struggle Straining his eyes through the dusk,
he perceived a mounted police-officer forcing his way through the
throng; on either side were visible the helmets of constables. He
drew a deep sigh of relief, for the efforts of the mob against the
house door could scarcely succeed unless they used more formidable
weapons for assault, and that would now be all but impossible.
He drew his bead back into the room and looked at Emma with a laugh
of satisfaction.
'The police are making way! There's nothing to fear now.
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