Already his heart was beating with hope; he was only a few steps from the desired end, when the overseer, as if he had suddenly penetrated his intention, rushed on him.

At the cries of that enraged person, ten soldiers ran to the spot, and Dick Sand was brutally led back to the rear, while Tom and his companions were taken to the other extremity of the camp.
Exasperated, Dick Sand had thrown himself upon the overseer.

He had ended by breaking his gun in his hands.

He had almost succeeded in snatching it from him.

But seven or eight soldiers assailed him at once, and force was used to secure him.