The respective bands of Sybil and Mr St Lys in time contrived
to join. Their numbers were no longer contemptible; they were
animated by the words and presence of their leaders: St Lys
struggling in their midst; Sybil maintaining her position on
the terrace, and inciting all around her to courage and
energy.
The multitude were kept back, the passage to the side-steps of
the terrace was clear.
"Now," said Sybil, and she encouraged Lady de Mowbray, her
daughters, and followers to advance. It was a fearful
struggle to maintain the communication, but it was a
successful one. They proceeded breathless and trembling,
until they reached what was commonly called the Grotto, but
which was in fact a subterranean way excavated through a hill
and leading to the bank of a river where there were boats.
The entrance of this tunnel was guarded by an iron gate, and
Mr Mountchesney had secured the key. The gate was opened,
Warner and his friends made almost superhuman efforts at this
moment to keep back the multitude, Lady de Mowbray and her
daughters had passed through, when there came one of those
violent undulations usual in mobs, and which was occasioned by
a sudden influx of persons attracted by what was occurring,
and Sybil and those who immediately surrounded her and were
guarding the retreat were carried far away.
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