Then one quickly re-entered the house, reappeared with his cap and sword in his hand, and ran lightly toward the guard-house.

A slight crackling noise seemed to come from beyond the garden wall.
"What's up ?" said Hooker, with staring eyes.
"Picket firing!" The crackling suddenly became a long rattle.

Brant re-entered the room, and picked up his hat.
"You'll excuse me for a few moments." A faint sound, soft yet full, and not unlike a bursting bubble, made the house appear to leap elastically, like the rebound of a rubber ball.
"What's that ?" gasped Hooker.
"Cannon, out of range!".