Then came the tears of the women, the furious voices of the men, as they jumped from their compartments, amid the violent shocks of the lowered windows. The two young English girls, who were at ease and smiling, alone displayed some gaiety. While the headguard was trying to calm the crowd, the younger of the two said to him in French, with a slight Britannic accent:
"So, it is here that we stop, then, guard?"
Several men had got down, notwithstanding the depth of snow in which their legs entirely disappeared. The American again found himself beside the young man from Havre, and both made their way to the engine, to see for themselves. They tossed their heads.
"It will take four or five hours to get us out of that," said one.
"At least," answered the other, "and even then it will require a score of workmen."
Jacques had just persuaded the headguard to send his companion to Barentin to ask for help. Neither the driver nor the fireman could leave the engine.
The man was already far away, they soon lost sight of him at the end of the cutting. He had three miles to walk, and perhaps would not be back before two hours. And Jacques, in despair, left his post for an instant, and ran to the first carriage where he perceived Séverine who had let down the glass.
"Don't be afraid," said he rapidly; "you have nothing to fear."
She answered in the same tone, avoiding familiarity lest she might be overheard:
"I'm not afraid; only I've been very uneasy about you."