Athos saw nothing living but a soldier, upon the terrace beneath the second and third court, who was carrying a basket of provisions on his head.

This man returned almost immediately without his basket, and disappeared in the shade of his sentry-box.

Athos supposed he must have been carrying dinner to some one, and, after having done so, returned to dine himself.

All at once they heard some one call out, and raising their heads, perceived in the frame of the bars of the window something of a white color, like a hand that was waved backwards and forwards--something shining, like a polished weapon struck by the rays of the sun.

And before they were able to ascertain what it was, a luminous train, accompanied by a hissing sound in the air, called their attention from the donjon to the ground.
A second dull noise was heard from the ditch, and Raoul ran to pick up a silver plate which was rolling along the dry sand.