Suddenly from below rang the blast of a clarion, stern and loud, coming from the direction of the forest, to which a trumpet from the summit of the tower made reply.
This time the clarion called, and the trumpet answered. And again came the summons from the clarion, followed by the reply of the trumpet.
Then from the edge of the forest rose a voice, distant but clear, shouting distinctly,—
"Brigands, a summons! If by sunset you have not surrendered at discretion, we shall begin the assault."
A voice that sounded like the roar of a wild beast answered from the top of the tower,—
"Attack."
The voice from below replied,—
"A cannon will be fired as a last warning half an hour before the assault."
And the voice from above repeated,—
"Attack."