It was high time, indeed, for the soldiers were already rushing out armed and with fixed bayonets.
Meanwhile, what had the curate been doing?
Padre Salvi had not gone to bed but had stood motionless, resting his forehead against the curtains and gazing toward the plaza.

From time to time a suppressed sigh escaped him, and if the light of the lamp had not been so dim, perhaps it would have been possible to see his eyes fill with tears.

Thus nearly an hour passed.
The tumult in the plaza awoke him from his reverie.

With startled eyes he saw the confused movements of the people, while their voices came up to him faintly.

A breathless servant informed him of what was happening.