Beyond the outer door the wretch fell under the blows of the butchers.
If the prisoner was absolved, the black phantom rose, laid his hand on the person's head, and said, "Put him out!" and the prisoner was freed.
When Maillard arrived at the Abbey Prison, a man, also in black, who was waiting by the wall, stepped forward to meet him. On the first words exchanged between them, Maillard recognized this man, and bowed his tall figure to him in condescension, if not submission. He brought him into the prison, and when the tribunal was arranged, he said:
"Stand you there, and when the person comes out in whom you are interested, make me a sign."
The man rested his elbow against the wall and stood mute, attentive, and motionless as when outside.
It was Honore Gilbert, who had sworn that he would not let Andrea die, and was still trying to fulfill his oath.
Between four and six in the morning, the judges and butchers took a rest, and at six had breakfast.
At half past the horrid work was resumed.
In that interval such of the prisoners as could see the slaughter out of a window reported by which mode death came swiftest and with the least suffering; they concluded it was by a stab to the heart.