At that moment the dull boom of a cannon reached their ears.
Chapter XIX
Chilians on Both Sides
“Looks as if the old town was being raided by some enemy,” declared Plum, after a short pause, during which another peal of the distant cannon awoke far and wide the dismal night.
Loud cries were now heard outside the town house, making the youths’ situation one of excitement. In the hall adjoining their prison the steady tramp of the sentry’s feet had suddenly ceased.
“How about the fire?” asked Jack, bracing himself more firmly against the wall under the weight of his companion.
Boom! boom! boom! rang sullenly on the scene before Plum could reply, and then the rattle of musketry succeeded and the hoarse shouts of men giving orders such as no one could understand in the wild confusion.
“The fire lifts higher and higher,” said Plum, as soon as a lull in the tumult allowed him to be heard by his companion. “It seems to be burning on the northeast corner of the town, and the wind is driving it down this way like a race horse. The plaza is full of soldiers.”
The cannonade soon became almost continual, and was fairly deafening.
“What will become of us?” asked Plum, showing his first sign of hopelessness.