They held their breath, and the psalmody of old Maud distinctly reached the ears of the surgeon and his followers.
"There is someone in there!" cried Levet, "and the roof is already on fire! They must be raving maniacs!—What ho! Within there!"
He walked around the house, endeavoring to attract the attention of the inmates.
"Can you not see that the fire is gaining upon you?" he cried. "Come out, quick!"
But there was no reply, only in the interim of silence they again heard the old fool's monotonous chanting, the very words even being audible.
"We must save them at any cost!" exclaimed Levet. "Come, comrades!"
They tried to force the door, but as it resisted their efforts they supposed it must be locked.
"To the window!" said Frank.
With a blow of his elbow he shattered the glass, and, inserting his hand through the fracture, adroitly opened the casement. It was one of the talents taught him by his early instructors, the river thieves.
Then, springing upon the window ledge, he entered the chamber, followed by Levet.