The eleven who remained out of sixteen imitated his example; but they did not go further than the first.

A second discharge laid five upon the icy sand; and as it was impossible to see whence this murderous thunder issued, the others fell back with a terror that can be better imagined than described.

But, far from flying, as the others had done, Biscarrat remained safe and sound, seated on a fragment of rock, and waited.

There were only six gentlemen left.
"Seriously," said one of the survivors, "is it the devil ?" "_Ma foi!_ it is much worse," said another.
"Ask Biscarrat, he knows." "Where is Biscarrat ?" The young men looked round them, and saw that Biscarrat did not answer.
"He is dead!" said two or three voices.
"Oh! no!" replied another, "I saw him through the smoke, sitting quietly on a rock.

He is in the cavern; he is waiting for us." "He must know who are there." "And how should he know them ?" "He was taken prisoner by the rebels." "That is true.