She drew the bed-clothes over her, and in less than five minutes after she was sound asleep.
Louise, being also exhausted, was not long in following her example.
Now this had lasted about a couple of hours, when the old woman was awakened with a start by a fearful tumult. Everything was in an uproar.
"To arms!" was the cry—"to arms! Hi! this way, a thousand thunders! they are upon us!"
Five or six shots followed, illuminating the dark window-panes.
"To arms! to arms!"
The shots were heard again. People were hurrying to and fro. Then Hullin's voice was heard—sharp, penetrating, issuing orders. Then to the left of the farm, a good distance off, came a sound like a heavy prolonged crackling in the gorges of the Grosmann.
"Louise, Louise!" exclaimed Catherine, "did you hear that noise?"
"Yes. Oh! heavens! how terrible!"
Catherine jumped out of bed.