, Godfrey contented himself with depriving him of his weapon. The
professor then went and threw himself on his bed and freely
anathematized all travels and travellers and maniacs who could not
remain quietly at their own firesides.

Both his companions resumed their observations at the windows.

Thence they beheld, without the power of interference, the horrible
massacre which was taking place in the gloom. The cries of the sheep and
the goats gradually diminished as the slaughter of the animals was
consummated, although the greater part had escaped outside, where death,
none the less certain, awaited them. This loss was irreparable for the
little colony; but Godfrey was not then anxious about the future. The
present was disquieting enough to occupy all his thoughts.

There was nothing they could do, nothing they could try, to hinder this
work of destruction.

Godfrey and Carefinotu kept constant watch, and now they seemed to see
new shadows coming up and passing into the palisade, while a fresh
sound of footsteps struck on their ears.

Evidently certain belated beasts, attracted by the odour of the blood
which impregnated the air, had traced the scent up to Will Tree.

They ran to and fro, they rushed round and round the tree and gave forth
their hoarse and angry growls. Some of the shadows jumped on the ground
like enormous cats. The slaughtered flock had not been sufficient to
satisfy their rage.

Neither Godfrey nor his companions moved. In keeping completely
motionless they might avoid a direct attack.

An unlucky shot suddenly revealed their presence and exposed them to the
greatest danger.

Tartlet, a prey to a veritable hallucination, had risen. He had seized a
revolver; and this time, before Godfrey and Carefinotu could hinder him,
and not knowing himself what he did, but believing that he saw a tiger
standing before him, he had fired! The bullet passed through the door of
Will Tree.

"Fool!" exclaimed Godfrey, throwing himself on Tartlet, while the negro
seized the weapon.

It was too late. The alarm was given, and growlings still more violent
resounded without. Formidable talons were heard tearing the bark of the
sequoia. Terrible blows shook the door, which was too feeble to resist
such an assault.

"We must defend ourselves!" shouted Godfrey.

And, with his gun in his hand and his cartridge-pouch round his waist,
he took his post at one of the windows.

To his great surprise, Carefinotu ha