Here they were confined in a large cell, a bare, comfortless chamber that was all the more objectionable to them because of their being accustomed to such a free open-air life. The only source of cheer that they had was the promise of the sous-préfet to write to M. Pradère about them. But, presently, even this began to cause them uneasiness.
"What if Madame Pradère should be away from home?" said Nadine with a sigh of apprehension.
"Oh, don't you remember that the kind old gendarme said that she hardly ever went away?" responded Cæsar, cheeringly.
"My dear brother," returned Nadine, "you are doing your best to keep up my spirits, but you see I am not of so hopeful a nature as you are. It's not my fault, Cæsar, indeed it isn't, but I am troubled with dark presentiments. I am weighed down with anxiety that I cannot overcome. It is no doubt due to what has happened during the last two days, for I am greatly upset by it."
Abel joined with Cæsar in well-meant efforts at consolation, and, as during the night before, the children had had no sleep at all, they now began to doze off, and presently all three of them were sound asleep.
But poor Nadine's rest was disturbed by unpleasant dreams, and about midnight she awoke with a shriek of terror.
Cæsar at once woke up and sought to find her hand in the darkness that enshrouded them.
"What is the matter, dear sister?" he asked anxiously. "Are you in pain? Answer me, Nadine, I beg of you."
But Nadine made no reply, and when Cæsar took her hand he found that it was cold as ice. The sorely-tried girl had in fact fallen into a deep swoon.
Cæsar was terrified. Nadine was silent and motionless. Could she be dead? and there they were, shut up in the prison, without any way of getting assistance!