“Have you any weapon about you?”
“I have—a pistol.”
“Take it out, and go in there, and do not move. But you, Panu, get more over there—not near the fire, move into the shadow.”
He had scarcely finished speaking before the brigands were upon them. They came stealthily through the bushes, avoiding the moonlight, but the shepherd saw them, and without waiting fired a chance shot.
“Don’t shoot, don’t shoot!” cried the robbers.
A great noise arose—the flock scattered, the barking of the dogs became gradually more and more excited; there was another report, and yet another. Toli’s gun gave a dull sound and was followed by several cries:
“You will kill us all like this, all——”
“Down with your arms, lay down your arms!” cried Toli.
“Look, man, we are putting them down; only don’t shoot.”
“Drop them!”