He looked out into the courtyard.
A third discharge of artillery had now broken down the door, and the troops were rapidly clearing away the obstacles before entering in a body.
Loud were their shouts of triumph, and Jack recognised the countenance of Abdullah, lit up by a savage satisfaction.
But a glance sufficed.
Jack then retired into the smaller garden at the back, where he completely concealed himself under some thick shrubs.
In a few moments, the troops were all over the yard, probing and seeking in every corner.
Just as Jack had calculated, the soldiers were followed by a wild helter-skelter of Turks, of all ages and conditions, fanatical Moslems, who were ready to raze to the ground the accursed house where the Christians had taken refuge.
The soldiers were considerably surprised to find no one.
They sought in every room in vain, to their intense disappointment.
Abdullah's fury was terrible to witness.