"Here, Frisk!" cried Benedict.
The dog made one bound to his master's neck and licked his face; then again, taking his place beside the corpse, he howled more lamentably than ever.
"Karl is there!" said Benedict.
Helen sprang forward, for she understood it all.
"But he is dead!" continued Benedict.
Helen cried out and fell on Karl's body.
CHAPTER XXVI
THE WOUNDED MAN
The torchbearers had come up and a group, picturesque and terrible, was formed, by the bright light of the burning resin. Karl had not been plundered like the other corpses, the dog had guarded his body and prevented this. Helen was stretched upon him, her lips to his, weeping and groaning. Benedict was on his knees beside her, with the dog's paws on his shoulders. The surgeon stood, his arms folded, like a man accustomed to death and its sadness. Fritz had thrust his head through the leaves of a thorn-tree. Every one was silent and motionless for a moment.