A thunderbolt falling in the midst of them would not have produced a more terrible effect upon the four gentlemen than did this name.
"What did you say?" cried Pontcalec, shaking with affright; "what did you say? What name did you pronounce?"
"Waters, our chief."
Pontcalec, pale and overcome, sank upon a chair, casting an unutterable glance upon his affrighted companions. No one around them understood this sudden despair, which so rapidly succeeded to so high a confidence.
"Well?" asked Montlouis, addressing Pontcalec in a tone of tender reproach.
"Yes, gentlemen, you were right," said Pontcalec; "but I also was right to believe in this prediction, for it will be accomplished, as the others were. Only this time I yield, and confess that we are lost."
And by a spontaneous movement the four gentlemen threw themselves into each other's arms with fervent prayers to Heaven.
"What do you order?" asked the executioner.
"It is useless to tie their hands if they will give their words of honor; they are soldiers and gentlemen."