CHAPTER XVI.
NADINE'S ILLNESS.
On their entering the cell in which the Tambys were confined they found Nadine lying upon the floor, as pale and still as though she were dead.
The magistrate was greatly alarmed.
"The poor child has died!" he exclaimed, taking hold of her cold hand. "Brigadier, send one of your men off for a doctor immediately," and when the gendarme had hurried out he lifted Nadine's hand tenderly.
"She's not dead! She is breathing!" cried the magistrate suddenly, in a tone of relief and joy. And he proceeded to stroke her blanched cheeks and forehead with his hands in a gentle way that seemed surprising in such a stern old man.
Presently the doctor arrived all out of breath, for the brigadier had made him come as fast as possible. After a careful examination of Nadine he shook his head in a manner that was far from reassuring.
"Your Honor," he said, "the child must be at once removed to the hospital. Her unconsciousness may continue for some hours longer, and when she does revive it will be absolutely necessary that she should be guarded against the slightest excitement. I shall go to the hospital at once and arrange for her reception."
Half an hour later Nadine was lying in a bed in the hospital, and at her side were Cæsar and Abel, in accordance with the directions of the magistrate.
"It is best that the young girl should first see her brothers when she comes to herself," said the thoughtful old man, and although the brigadier ventured to protest, he had of course to obey the orders of his superior.