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"Run, Ambrose, run! help! people in the house!" cried Don

Abbondio. "I come in a moment," replied he, drawing in his head;

he closed his curtain, and half stupid, and half affrighted,

thought of an expedient to bring more help than had been required

of him, without risking his own life in the contest, whatever it

might be. He hastily took his breeches from the bed, and putting

them under his arm, like an opera hat, ran to the belfry and

pulled away lustily.

Ton, Ton, Ton; the peasant aroused, sat up in his bed; the boy,

sleeping in the hay-loft, listened eagerly, and sprang on his

feet; "What is the matter? What is it? Fire! Robbers!" Each woman

entreated her husband not to stir, but to leave it to others:

such as were cowards obeyed, whilst the inquisitive and

courageous took their arms, and ran towards the noise.