I awoke, I heard under the window a whispering and a movement
as of many men, I approached, but could distinguish nothing, however,
it seemed to me, as if people were gathering round our house, I have
loaded in haste all our fire-arms, and quietly awakened the domestics.
The strangers are still asleep, but they must now assist in our
defence."

"If it be so, and that you have not been mistaken," said the father,
"promise me only not to be too eager; let us be quiet and collected,
for thereby one may be often enabled to prevent the worst, but I well
know, by experience, that from the love of danger and fiery courage,
which as easily defeat their object as cowardice, misfortune and
destruction may be drawn down upon us. We must not venture alone, you
must not forget your little sister. Now do I wish, that I had been a
soldier, that I might meet this invasion with serenity, should it come
to this, but we shall do what honour demands of us; but more than the
danger itself do I fear your hastiness." In the mean while a murmur and
the approach of footsteps were heard nearer; several voices were
distinguished, a noise proceeded from the road and garden, so that it
appeared, that they were taking possession of all the outlets.
Immediately afterwards a knocking was heard at the door. The servants
drew near, but at a mute signal from their master they remained
tranquil; immediately the tumult became louder and several voices
raised an unintelligible cry, Edmond grew warm, his father looked at
him significantly; but soon, however, the name of the hermit resounded
clearly and distinctly from out of the confused murmur. "They demand
him," cried Edmond; "They are the Camisards!" The cry was repeated,
they knocked louder, they became even noisy, the screams of women and
the cries of children were now also heard; the Counsellor caused all
the weapons to be brought forward, he was hastily distributing them to
the servants, when trembling and ghastly pale the tall figure of the
hermit, half dressed, tottered in, followed by the priest, bewildered
and terrified; both seized the hand of their host, and while they were
firing without, the knocking at the door and demands for the hermit
became more violent. "Oh, heaven! compassion!" exclaimed the latter,
"thou hast heard my oath, that I would in future refrain from blood,
but it is too late, I am a victim to their vengeance!" With these words
the tremendous figure fell senseless to the groun