When Anton returned Landolin was still at the spring, holding his hands under its broad stream of water.
"How is it?" he asked, turning round.
"He is dead; he gives no sign of life," replied Anton.
Landolin shook the water from his hands fiercely, and shaking his head slowly, said:
"You saw it, Anton? You had just come up. The stone didn't touch him; he fell down at the sound of my voice."
Before Anton could reply, Landolin asked: "Was his mother at home?"
"Yes, she had just come in, and it was terrible when she threw herself on her son's body and cried out: 'Vetturi! open your eyes, Vetturi! Open your mouth, here is some brandy! Drink, do drink!'"
"I, too, must drink something," replied Landolin; and placing his lips to the trough, he drank long. Indeed, it was plain that he purposely allowed the water to splash into his face, and as he slowly wiped it dry, he said:
"Go to Thoma, now! I'll soon follow you."
Anton obeyed. He found Thoma standing near the porch by the flowers, picking off the dead leaves of the rosemary, the yellow jessamine, and the carnations. She did not look round.