But soon there was a louder knocking, with a volley of French oaths. The house shook under the blows.
“Pedro, tell them in French that this is the quarter of an English Captain.”
Pedro cautiously peeped out of the window.
“Dios! there is but one,” said Pedro, “and he carries no arms. Hallo, sair! la maison for Inglis Captin! Go to hell!”
This strange language, and his abrupt, jabbering way of talking, forced a laugh out of his master.
“Ouvrez la porte, bête!” shouted the Frenchman. “I want some water.”
“Holy Virgin!” cried Pollonia. “We had better open the door.”
“No, no, no!” said Boothby. “Tell him, Pedro, that if he does not take himself off I shall report him to his General.”
Pedro had not got half through this message, when suddenly he ducked his head, and a great stone came in and struck the opposite wall.