"So far nothing new Master Jean-Claude; only on the Phalsbourg side there is a rumbling like a storm. Labarbe says it is cannon, for all night long flashes like lightning were seen passing over the forest of Hilde-house, and since this morning grey clouds have hung over the plain."
"The town is attacked," said Hullin; "but what news from Lutzelstein?"
"Nothing," replied Bentz.
"Then that is because the enemy will attempt to turn the place. In any case, the Allies are in the neighbourhood. There must be a terrible number of them in Alsace."
Then turning towards Materne, who was standing behind, "We cannot remain any longer in uncertainty," said he; "you must depart with your two sons to reconnoitre."
The old huntsman's countenance brightened.
"All right! I shall be able then to stretch my legs a little," said he, "and try to bring down one of those Cossacks."
"One moment, old boy. You have nothing to do with bringing down anyone; all you have to do is to keep a look-out and see what is going on. Frantz and Kasper can remain armed; but for you, I know you, and you must leave your carbine here, as well as your powder-flask and hunting-knife."
"What for?"
"Why, because you will have to go into the villages, and if you were taken armed, you would be shot on the spot."