“However,” continued Léocadia, “it is very strange that you refuse to believe his word when he confesses the deed. Everybody knows that day before yesterday Bruno and Madame Barrau were seen together in the walnut grove. Savin said he would teach Bruno a lesson. There is not a man in the village who does not know of Bruno’s love for Catherine Barrau. But if I were judge or gendarme it would not be long before I had them both on the way to Avallon prison.”
“Do you pretend to dictate to me?”
“No, Monsieur, but——”
“Silence!”
Monsieur Bérard turned to Andoche: “Is this true?”
“In the main, yes.”
Sidonie, pale and trembling, at length approached Bruno.
“Why do you say such things, foolish boy? Don’t you see that will not save her?”
Then going to Catherine the lame girl said: “Come, Madame, you as well as I have protested that what Bruno declares is not true. But perhaps you know the murderer. Then speak his name. Oh, tell us, I implore you! Bruno did not do this foul deed. Oh, no! He has spent his life in saving others.”
Many who heard Sidonie’s earnest words agreed with her. Catherine, in turn, made the inquiry: “Was it you, Bruno? No.”