With a countenance, in which rage and entreaty were ludicrously blended, he turned towards the priest, whose earnest expostulations were addressed, in vain, to the exasperated assailants.

The corporal kept his hold tenaciously, questioning him with a volubility known only to Frenchmen, and, enraged that he was neither understood nor answered, he concluded each sentence with a shake, which jarred every sinew in the stout frame of the Scotchman.

It is doubtful to what extremes the affray might have been carried, as the opposite party began to rally with equal warmth, for the rescue of their _teacher_; but, at that moment, a quick and repeated note of alarum sounded in their ears, and announced some pressing danger.

Thrown into consternation by this unexpected summons, the soldiers fled confusedly, or stood stupified, and uncertain what course to pursue.

Nor was their confusion diminished, when Madame la Tour appeared in the midst of them, and, with a look, which severely reproved their negligence, exclaimed, "Why stand ye here, my gallant men, clamouring with your idle brawls, when the enemy floats before our very gates?
fly to your posts, or stay and see what a woman's hand can do." The appeal was decisive; in a moment every man filled his proper station, and throughout the fort, the breathless pause of suspense preceded the expected signal of attack or defence.