Page:A History of the Knights of Malta, or the Order of St. John of Jerusalem.djvu/692

656 was in possession of all the centre of the island. Vaubois had seized the Città Vecehia, and Regnier was master of Gozo. Night only added to the general confusion and dismay. Shots were heard on all sides, and the garrison was called on to fight, not only against the open enemy in its front, but also the insidious treachery in its midst. Everywhere the most complete disorganization was apparent; the soldiers deserted their standards, the people collected together in threatening crowds, cries of treason were heard on all sides. Throughout this night of disorder the French emissaries were busied in exciting the people to acts of violence, and in pointing out those who were in reality the most zealous in eudeavouring to protract the defence, as the traitors by whom they were being betrayed. The infuriated multitude, stimulated to a pitch of frenzy by these foul calumnies and scandalous aspersions, soon proceeded to acts of violence, and several unfortunate knights fell victims to their blind rage. Amongst the number may be named de Vallin, who, after being stabbed, was thrown into the sea; do Montazet, who was murdered by the troops at Benissa point; d’Ormy and d’Aridelard, the latter of whom was killed in the endeavour to save a confrère from the fury of the populace. Many others were seriously wounded, and the mob, raging with the excitement of the moment, dragged their bleeding victims to the square in front of the Grand-Master’s palace.

About midnight a deputation from some of the leading Maltese proceeded to the palace, and in audience with the Grand-Master demanded that he should sue for a cessation of hostilities. They pointed out that there was palpable treason at work; that no orders were being executed; that the plan organized for defence was not carried out; that provisions ammunition, and despatches were all intercepted; and that the massacre of the knights which had already taken place proved the hostility of the people. Unless, therefore, a speedy surrender were determined on, there was every reason to fear that a wholesale butchery would ere long ensue. To this demand von Hompesch returned a refusal, without, however, taking any active measures to render that decision effectual. Before long a second deputation made its appearance, and