“Ay, truly,” said Bruno; “what can it mean? It cannot be daybreak yet; and, besides, it comes from the north, and not the east.”
“The village is on fire!” exclaimed Ali.
“By heavens you are right!” said Bruno.
At that instant loud cries of distress were heard; Bruno rushed to the door and found himself face to face with the Maltese.
“Is that you, captain?” said Pascal.
“Yes, it is I—I myself, don’t deceive yourself and take me for another; I come as a friend.”
“You are welcome,” said Bruno; “but what has taken place?”
“That which has taken place is,” said the Maltese, “that, in utter despair at not having taken you, the soldiers set fire to the village, and refuse to assist in extinguishing it unless the villagers will consent to march against you, as they have had enough of it themselves.”
“And the peasants?” asked Bruno.
“Have refused,” said the Maltese.