“He has had plenty of everything, I suppose?”
“Oh, yes, sir. Wood, candle, food, water—everything.”
“Very well. Get lights, and I will visit him.”
Lights were brought. A boy, who carried a lantern, shivered as he saw how ghastly Bellines’ face looked in the yellow gleam, in the dark vault on the way to the cell, and was not sorry to be told to stay behind, till called to light the Commandant back again.
“Have you heard anything?” asked Rubaut of the soldier, in a low voice.
“Not for many hours. There was a call or two, and some singing, just after you went; but nothing since.”
“Hush! Listen!”
They listened motionless for some time; but nothing was heard but the everlasting plash, which went on all around them.
“Unbar the door, Bellines.”
He did so, and held the door wide for the Commandant to enter. Rubaut stalked in, and straight up to the straw bed. He called the prisoner in a somewhat agitated voice, felt the hand, raised the head, and declared that he was gone. The candle was burned completely out. Rubaut turned to the hearth, carefully stirred the ashes, blew among them, and raised a spark.