But General Vaugirard was calmly examining the field and the house through powerful glasses.
"They're pouring from the building," he said, "and it's full time.

Look how the fire gains! What a pity that we should destroy the home of some good Frenchman in order to drive out the enemy." "Faster, sir! Faster! Ah, I pray you go faster!" exclaimed John, whose heart was eaten up with anxiety as he saw the chateau roaring with flames.

But he did not need the general's glasses now to see the people stream from it, and then rush for refuge from the fire of the French.
The surprise had been so thorough that at this point the enemy was able to offer little resistance, and, in a few moments more, the automobile reached the grounds surrounding the burning chateau.
John, reckless of commands and of everything else, leaped out of the machine and ran forward.

A gigantic man bearing a slender figure in his arms emerged from the shrubbery.

Behind him came a stalwart young woman, grim of face.