"Captain," the lieutenant answered in a panting voice, "the company has revolted."
"Eh? What do you say, sir? My troopers have revolted?"
"Yes, captain."
"Ah!" he said, biting his moustaches, "And why have they revolted, if you please?"
"Because they do not wish to enter the desert."
"They do not wish!" the count continued, weighing every word. "Are you sure of what you say, lieutenant?"
"I swear it, captain; but listen."
In fact, shouts and oaths, an ever-increasing noise, which was beginning to assume formidable proportions, were heard outside.
"Oh, oh! This is becoming serious, I fancy," the count continued.
"Much more than you suppose, captain. The company, I repeat, is in complete mutiny. The rebels have loaded their arms: they surround the house, uttering threats against you. They say they want to speak to you, and that they are sure of obtaining what they want, by good will or ill."