CHAPTER LVI.
HYDROPHOBIA.
When the sick people, assembled in the courtyard, saw the desperate
efforts of Morok to force the door of the room which contained Sister
Martha and the orphans, their fright redoubled. "It is all over, Sister
Martha!" cried they.
"The door will give way."
"And the closet has no other entrance."
"There are two young girls in mourning with her."
"Come! we must not leave these poor women to encounter the madman. Follow me, friends!" cried generously one of the spectators, who was still blessed with health, and he rushed towards the steps to return to the ante-chamber.
"It's too late! it's only exposing yourself in vain," cried many persons, holding him back by force.
At this moment, voices were heard, exclaiming: "Here is the Abbe
Gabriel."
"He is coming downstairs. He has heard the noise."