Well! let us call him, and learn from him whom we have to deal with." And all voices shouted, "Biscarrat! Biscarrat!" But Biscarrat did not answer.
"Good!" said the officer who had shown so much coolness in the affair.
"We have no longer any need of him; here are reinforcements coming." In fact, a company of guards, left in the rear by their officers, whom the ardor of the chase had carried away--from seventy-five to eighty men--arrived in good order, led by their captain and the first lieutenant.

The five officers hastened to meet their soldiers; and, in language the eloquence of which may be easily imagined, they related the adventure, and asked for aid.

The captain interrupted them.

"Where are your companions ?" demanded he.
"Dead!" "But there were sixteen of you!" "Ten are dead.

Biscarrat is in the cavern, and we are five." "Biscarrat is a prisoner ?" "Probably." "No, for here he is--look." In fact, Biscarrat appeared at the opening of the grotto.
"He is making a sign to come on," said the officer.