CHAPTER XXVIIIVenetia regained her room without becoming aware that any suspicion had been aroused, and on the next night she went out again.
The day had been without incident, except for the almost continuous sound of the Turkish batteries, still pounding St. Elmo with a monotony which it could not for ever endure, and some talk she overheard from some of the men as they came in from a spell of duty upon the wall. There had been movements observed in the infidel camp by which it was supposed that they were preparing to attack the Bourg as soon as St. Elmo fell. It was assumed, without words, that it was very near to its end. It was said that, if any should remain alive at the last, they must fall into the enemy’s hands, for what escape could they have either by land or sea?
Venetia had
