"Yes."
Then he detailed the interview with Ivas which terminated with the thrilling words, "My country!"
During this sad recital, in the silence of the night they could hear, on the square below, the blows of a hammer. It was the gibbet of the young patriot which they were finishing in the centre of the marketplace. They passed the rest of the night in prayer.
Ivas died before daybreak, and as they were unable to execute him living, they hanged his dead body. The Russians having thus proclaimed their victory quitted the village, leaving their souvenir of terrorism.
CHAPTER XXIX.
[THE GORDIAN KNOT.]
The same morning that Jacob left his house for fear of arrest, Henri Segel returned to breakfast. It was only at meal-times that he saw his wife, and then for but a few moments. He usually went away so early in the morning that Mathilde rarely saw him until evening.
This day the poor woman, consoled by her explanation with Jacob, had more colour than usual, and appeared to have recovered her health.
"I am really distressed," said Henri, seating himself at table, "and you will share my anxiety when you hear that Mann's prophecy has been realized. They have tried to arrest Jacob."
Mathilde grew very pale, and cried:--