"I am the head of this colony, madam," the Captain answered, coldly but firmly; "and at such an hour as this it is my duty to open the gate, for there may be danger in doing it, and I must give to all an example of courage and accomplishment of duty."
At this moment the bell pealed a second time.
"Let us go," the Captain added, turning to the Sergeant.
His wife made no reply. She fell into a chair, pale and trembling with anxiety.
In the meanwhile the Captain had gone out, followed by Bothrel and four hunters, all armed with rifles.
The night was dark. There was not a star in the heavens, which were black as ink. Two paces ahead it was impossible to distinguish objects, and a cold breeze whistled fitfully. Bothrel had taken down a lanthorn to guide him through the room.
"How is it," the Captain said, "that the sentry at the drawbridge has not challenged?"
"Perhaps he is afraid of giving an alarm, knowing, as he did, that we should hear the bell from the tower."
"Hum!" the Captain muttered between his teeth.
They walked onward. Presently they heard a sound of voices, to which they listened. It was the sentry speaking.