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Rh reluctantly he obeyed Gerard's injunction and followed him to the shelter.

"You can watch matters from here, monsieur," said Pierre, as they entered the place. "The window up there commands a view of that part of the battlements."

In a moment Dubois had clambered up, and the others waited anxiously to hear his report.

"All seems well," he said, after a minute's observation. "Pascal must have made off. The Castle men are not following. They are clustered round the place like bees, but hesitate to follow for some reason. Pascal must have had more men posted there. That's it. Some of the men are straggling back. Yes—yes. Good! What's that?" he broke off suddenly as guns were fired from the Castle, followed by a trumpet sounding the assembly.

"The escape is known," said Pierre. "Now, Heaven help us all."

"The men are rushing back in a body," reported Dubois.

"We must take the risk and go," said Gerard.

"Let me go first and see the way is clear," replied Dubois, jumping down and darting into the night.

"Cautiously," whispered Gerard.

As they left the old guard-house they saw the soldiers running back to the Castle in hot haste to obey the call and learn the news; and in a minute the place where they had swarmed in such numbers was deserted except for sentries.

"We must take our chance," said Dubois, staying for the others. "Come on with me, Pierre;" and the two ran forward, followed at a few paces distance by Gerard and Gabrielle.

The Castle itself was now the scene of great commotion. Lights were flashing everywhere, men hurrying in all directions, trumpets sounding, and guns booming at intervals. Everything showed that events of deep