There was a rush into the room, then a cry from those nearest the door.
"Take care! The floor!"
But it was too late. The loosened boards gave way, and down went a dozen men, Michaud among them, through a yawning gulf clear to the ground floor.
"Back! Back! The tower is falling!" was the cry, while the shrieks of the men below added to the confusion. The tower was at once deserted, and we presently heard sounds which told us that the fallen men were being rescued from amid the ruins of the floor.
"To the cellars!" cried now the voice of Pierre Le Febre. "Let us taste the old chevalier's wine and brandy."
"Good, Pierre!" said Andrew. "Once let them get among the casks and bottles, and we are safe."
"If Pierre does not get among them himself," said I.
"I do not believe he will, and in any case we have the boat. But it is time we were stirring. Aunt, can you walk?"
"Oh, yes! I can do anything you wish," answered my mother, in the same calm way. She seemed to have all her wits about her, but she did not speak unless we spoke to her.
"Come, then," and he opened the door of the secret passage into which pussy led the way, majestically waving his tail and looking back as if to say, "Come on, and fear nothing! You are under my protection."