Then, when assured that he was dead, Maurice stooped toward the corpse, opened the dead man's coat, withdrew the pass, and hurried away directly.
But on looking at himself he felt assured that in his present state he should not proceed far without being arrested. He was literally covered with blood.
He approached the water's edge, and bending toward the river, washed his hands and coat. He then rapidly ascended the steps, casting a last look toward the arch, from whence a red, smoking stream issued, advancing slowly toward the river.
On approaching the Palace he opened the pocket-book, and there found the pass signed by the registrar.
"Thanks, just God!" murmured he, and he rapidly mounted the steps leading to the Salle des Morts.
It struck three.
THE SALLE DES MORTS.