A moment of pause succeeded, when again was
heard the "Stand, friend!" evidently given in reply to
the familiar answer to the original challenge. Then were
audible rapid movements in the guard-house, as of men
aroused from temporary slumber, and hastening to the
point whence the voice proceeded.
Silently yet hurriedly the officers now quitted the
bedside of the dying man, leaving only the surgeon and
the invalid Johnstone behind them; and, flying to the
rampart, stood in the next minute confounded with the
guard, who were already grouped round the challenging
sentinel, bending their gaze eagerly in the direction of
the road.
"What now, man?--whom have you challenged?" asked Major
Blackwater.
"It is I--De Haldimar," hoarsely exclaimed one of four
dark figures that, hitherto, unnoticed by the officers,
stood immediately beyond the ditch, with a burden deposited
at their feet. "Quick, Blackwater, let us in for God's
sake! Each succeeding minute may bring a scouting party
on our track. Lower the drawbridge!"
"Impossible!" exclaimed the major: "after all that has
passed, it is more than my commission is worth to lower
the bridge without permission.
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