"No! No! No!" she screamed, struggling in the grip of the two guards as she tried to throw herself out of the dock. "Let me die! I want to, die! I want to die!"
In an instant the court was again in an uproar with oaths, cries of anger, and shrieks of women. The crowd swept forward to the railing.
"Clear the court!" roared the President; and the gendarmes threw themselves into the press, driving the packed men and women toward the exits. The din was terrific, and above it all rose Jacqueline's screams.
"I want to die! I want to die!"
Raymond was the first to reach her, closely fol lowed by Dr. Chennel and Noel, and then Floriot "For God's sake! doctor! Help her!" he cried.
[CHAPTER XXIV]
THE GUTTERING FLAME
As the rear of the hysterical mob was driven from the hall and the doors locked, Jacqueline collapsed into her chair, unconscious. At the same moment the President hurried up, pulling on his street coat.
"Carry her into my room!" he commanded. The two muscular gendarmes picked her up, chair and all, and carried her into the little dressing-room. Then, with a sign, he dismissed them and immediately followed himself, leaving the little party alone.