"You looked in the other rooms?" he asked.
"Everywhere—all through the house—she was not there! Ah, and I remember now," he added, struggling to a sitting posture, his face more livid, if possible, than it had been before. "There was a great bloodstain on the floor that was not there when I left her. How could it have got there? I cannot understand!"
Again the officer shook his head, his eyes still on the billowing smoke.
"It is very strange," he murmured.
"I must go back!" cried Stewart. "I must search for her!" and he tried to rise.
The other put out a hand to stop him, but drew it back, seeing it unnecessary.
"Impossible!" he said. "You see, you cannot even stand!"
"I have had nothing to eat since yesterday," Stewart explained. "Then only some eggs and apples. If I could get some food——"
He broke off, his chin quivering helplessly, as he realized his weakness. He was very near to tears.
"Even if you could walk," the other pointed out, "even if you were quite strong, it would still be impossible. The Germans have burned the village; they are now on this side of it. If Madame is still alive, she is safe. Barbarians as they are, they would not kill a wounded woman!"