He went to the outside door, and called in the sailors with the hatchets.
"Break open that door," he said.
"There is a space behind," he exclaimed, as the first blow was given. "It is hollow, I swear. It would be a different sound altogether if sand was piled up against it."
A dozen blows and the fastenings gave, and, sword in hand, the merchant and Francis rushed through.
Both gave a shout of delight. They were in a room built out at the back of the hut. It was richly furnished, and hangings of Eastern stuffs covered the walls. A burning lamp hung from the ceiling. Two men stood irresolute with drawn swords, having apparently turned round just as the door gave way; for as it did so, two figures struggled to their feet from a couch behind them, for some shawls had been wrapped round their heads, and with a cry of delight rushed forward to meet their rescuers. Seated at the end of the couch, with bowed down head, was another female figure.
"Maria--Giulia!" the merchant exclaimed, as, dropping his sword, he clasped his daughters in his arms.
Francis, followed by the two sailors with hatchets, advanced towards the men.
"Drop your swords and surrender," he said. "Resistance is useless. There are a dozen men outside."
The men threw their swords down on the ground.
"Lead them outside, and bind them securely," Francis said.