Now this had lasted about two hours, when the old dame was awakened suddenly by a tremendous noise.
"To arms! to arms! Ho! this way quick! A thousand thunders! they are upon us!"
Five or six shots then followed each other, lighting up the dark windows.
"To arms! to arms!"
Then there was more firing, and the noise of people rushing about everywhere.
Hullin's voice, sharp and vibrating, could be heard giving orders.
Then, to the left of the farm, a great way off, there came a low dull crackling sound, from the gorges of the Grosmann.
"Louise! Louise!" cried the old farm-wife,—"dost thou hear?"
"Yes! Oh, my God! it is terrible."
Catherine sprang out of bed.