'What then?' repeated the gipsy, looking full at the Archduke; 'do not birds sleep at night as well as men? They would not be on the wing if there was peace in the forest. The enemy is certainly coming through the woods, and that is what has scared the birds.'
So the Archduke gave orders to strengthen the outposts and to rouse the camp, and when the foe arrived, they found—not a sleeping camp, as they had expected, but an enemy well prepared to give them a warm welcome.
The camp had been saved by the intelligence of the gipsy soldier.
'FIRE!'
ALM and still the waves are lapping,
Silvered by the moon's pale light,
As the noble ship glides onward
In the silence of the night;
While the exile, home returning,
Dreaming of his heart's desire,
Starts from slumber, rudely wakened
By the dreadful cry of 'Fire!'
In the smoke and din and turmoil,
There the captain takes his stand;
'First the women and the children,'
Clearly rings his stern command.
Boats are manned, and strong arms rowing,
Bring them safely to the shore,
Where kind hands are stretched to greet them,
Safe from danger, home once more!
"Fire!"