Page:Idalia, by 'Ouida' volume 2.djvu/254

Rh The sentinel said nothing, but lowered his bayonet till the blade was levelled against the intruder's breast. At that instant the deep howl of the hound moaned down the silence. Erceldoune shook with rage as he heard it. Was not her dumb beast even spared! He wrenched the weapon by the gun-barrel from the soldier's hand, flung himself on the slight frail form of the Neapolitan, and, tossing him aside lightly as a broken bough, dashed across the court to where the dog was chained. It was the work of a second to unloose and free him. Ere even that was wholly done, however, the three soldiers left on guard of the villa, which had been rifled by governmental order of all papers, plate, jewels, and articles of value, roused by their comrade's cry, poured into the square court, and levelled their bayonets at him. "Stir, and you are a dead man!" said the corporal in command. A laugh was the only answer Erceldoune gave. His blood was up, and in his misery and his fiery rage he cared nothing, and almost knew nothing of what he did or said.

"At them, Sulla!" he cried in Servian, lifting his hand.

With a bound the giant hound sprang on the