I begged the Baron to hasten to the barracks, and bring the surgeon of the regiment.
But de Franchi collected all his strength, and stopping Giordano, signed that all assistance would be useless. This exertion caused him to fall on both knees.
M. de Chateau Renaud kept at a distance, but his seconds now approached the wounded man.
Meanwhile, we had opened his coat and torn away his waistcoat and shirt.
The ball had entered the right side, below the sixth rib, and had come out a little above the left hip.
At each breath the wounded man drew, the blood welled out. It was evident he was mortally hurt.
“M. de Franchi,” said the Viscount de Chateaugrand, “we regret extremely the issue of this sad affair. We trust you bear no malice against M. de Chateau Renaud.”
“Yes, yes,” murmured the wounded man, “I forgive him.”
Then turning towards me with an effort he said,
“Remember your promise!”