CHAPTER V.
SIDONIE.
Scarcely had the door closed upon the crowd when Monsieur Eugène threw off his coat, and bending over Bruno’s prostrate form said:
“First let us see if there is life.”
With these words he rested his head on Bruno’s chest. Jean Manant could hardly breathe, so deep was his dread of the possible truth; while poor little Sidonie was choked with anguish. After a moment of cruel suspense Eugène raised his head sadly, as if to regain his breath, and then once more inclined his ear.
Jean Manant and Sidonie were in despair. Catherine alone remained calm and collected. A few more moments of suspense passed, and then with a little cry Monsieur Eugène sprang up.
“He is living. His heart is beating, though faintly,” said he. “Wait!”
He immediately selected a lance from an unpretentious little surgeon’s case near by and summoned the three women to help him.
“Here, Jeannille,” he quickly called, “support Bruno’s head and shoulders—like that. And you, Madame Barrau, will you kindly hold his wrist firmly? You are not easily frightened, are you? I am going to bleed him.”