The paving stones flew like hail, until the street was torn into gaps
and ruts, and every window-pane, and sash, and doorway, was smashed or
broken. Meanwhile, divers attempts were made to fire the building, but
failed through haste or ineffectual materials, or the vigilant
watchfulness of the besieged. In the midst of this gallant defence, word
was brought to the defenders from head-quarters that nothing could be
done for their support; and that, if they would save their lives, they
must make a quick and orderly retreat. Fortunately, there was a side
passage with which the mob was unacquainted, and, one by one they
succeeded in gaining this, and vanishing. A few, too faithful or too
plucky to retreat before such a foe, persisted in remaining at their
posts till the fire, which had at last been communicated to the
building, crept unpleasantly near; then, by dropping from sill to sill
of the broken windows, or sliding by their hands and feet down the rough
pipes and stones, reached the pavement,--but not without injuries and
blows, and broken bones, which disabled for a lifetime, if indeed they
did not die in the hospitals to which a few of the more mercifully
disposed carried them.
The work thus begun, continued,--gathering in force and fury as the day
wore on. Police stations, enrolling-offices, rooms or buildings used in
any way by government authority, or obnoxious as representing the
dignity of law, were gutted, destroyed, then left to the mercy of the
flames.
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