"Foolhardiness is not bravery," I said brusquely, and shut the window.
Then the attack on the door recommenced, and we heard quite distinctly the thud, thud of the heavy weapons.
I went to the head of the stairs and looked down.
Franz stood by the door with his ponderous club in his hand; I pitied the man who should be first to enter.
The other servants were on the stairs, and by their looks I judged they would be of scanty service to their mistress.
My brother and Rakoczy, sword in one hand, pistol in the other, stood near Franz.
"The Joyous" caught sight of me, and laughed.
"A new way of entertaining guests," he said. "The Baroness von Arnstein will become famous for her receptions!"
"The door yields!" exclaimed Franz gravely. "See to the ladies, mein Herr;" and he took a firmer grip of his club.
I nodded and went back, though I would rather have remained; shortly afterwards a yell of delight from the crowd proclaimed that the door had fallen.