Schneider, very pale and almost fainting at sight of his own blood, which flowed profusely, had fallen back in his chair. Edelmann and Young went to his assistance. Charles held Monnet back by his coat-tail.
"Who is Master Nicholas?" he asked, shivering with emotion at the strange scene which had just taken place.
"Don't you know him?" asked Monnet.
"How should I know him? I have only been in Strasbourg since yesterday."
Monnet did not reply, but put his hand to his neck.
"I don't understand," said Charles.
"Don't you know that he is the executioner?" asked Monnet, lowering his voice.
Charles started. "But the machinery—that is—"
"Exactly."
"And what is he going to do with the guillotine at Plobsheim?"