"Upon my soul," said another, "there's not a sentinel to be seen!"
"Holà!" cried the lieutenant, stepping ashore, "wake up, up there, and lend us a hand to come up."
Shouts of laughter arose along the whole line at this last pleasantry, and while three or four boats pulled toward the harbor, the rest of the force disembarked.
"I see how it is," said Ravailly; "Canolles prefers to have it appear that he was taken by surprise in order not to get into trouble at court. Let us return him courtesy for courtesy, messieurs, and kill no one. Once in the fort, mercy for all, except for the women, who may not ask it, sarpejeu! Don't forget that this is a war between friends, boys; I '11 run through the first man who unsheathes his sword."
The merriment broke out afresh at this command, which was given with true French gayety, and the soldiers joined in with the officers.
"Ah! my friends," said the lieutenant, "it does one good to laugh, but we mustn't let it interfere with what we have to do. Ladders and grappling-hooks!"
The soldiers thereupon drew forth long ladders from the boats, and advanced toward the wall.
At that, Canolles rose with his cane in his hand, and his hat on his head, like a man who was taking the fresh morning air for pleasure, and approached the parapet, which reached only to his waist.
It was light enough for him to be recognized.
"Ah! good-morning, Navailles," he said to the regiment; "good-morning, Ravailly; good-morning, Remonenq."