CHAPTER XVII.
FRANCISCO AND HIS SON IN DANGER.
For several hours Francisco and his son sat on the bundle of straw listening intently to every sound, being naturally filled with anxiety as to the success of Bacri in his efforts to aid Mariano. At last they heard a loud knocking at the street door, which, after being repeated impatiently once or twice, was followed by a thunderous noise, as if the house were being entered by violence.
"The janissaries have returned," said Francisco, with a serious look.
"We had better put out the light," suggested Lucien, as a crashing sound announced the bursting in of the door.
"Do, lad.—Stay, let me get hold of this crowbar; it is better than nothing if it comes to—. Now, out with it!"
A moment more and they were in total darkness, while the trampling of feet overhead and the shouts of many voices told that the mob had entered the Jew's dwelling.
