Old Sergeant Thaddeus, who had returned with him, bent over Rask, and furtively caressed him, hoping by that means to conceal his countenance, which was full of anxiety, from the eyes of his captain. At length, after making a strong effort, D’Auverney continued his narrative.
CHAPTER LV.
Rask followed us. The highest rock in the valley was not yet lighted by the rays of the sun; a glimmer of light touched it for an instant, and then passed away.
The negro trembled, and grasped my hand firmly.
“Listen,” said he.
A dull sound like the discharge of a piece of artillery was heard, and was repeated by the echoes of the valleys.
“It is the signal,” said the negro in a gloomy voice. “It was a cannon shot, was it not?”
I nodded in sign of the affirmative.
In two bounds he sprang to the top of a lofty rock; I followed him. He crossed his arms and smiled sadly.
“Do you see that?” asked he.