The cannon from the fortress continued to play upon the half-finished works.

The Walloons, and at last the citizens, feared to lift their heads above their frail rampart.

The senators, whom Champagny had deputed to superintend the progress of the enterprise, finding the men so indisposed, deserted their posts.

They promised themselves that, in the darkest hour of the following night, the work should be thoroughly completed.

Alas! all hours of the coming night were destined to be dark enough, but in them was to be done no manner of work for defence.