“You are not any more likely to be hit while working than you are standing still,” cried the boy. “Get something quick!”
Moved by his earnestness the men obtained picks, shovels, spades, and anything that would move the dirt, and in spite of the flying shells began to dig out the unfortunate persons. Pale as death Jeanne stood by, clinging to Bob, unwilling to leave the spot until she could learn their condition. Her resentment toward her uncle and aunt was overcome by the great catastrophe that had overtaken them.
Mr. Vance was found first. He was quite dead, as were also Mr. and Mrs. La Chaise. Madame Vance was alive but had sustained mortal injuries so that her death was but a question of a few moments. Her eyes lighted up when they fell upon Dick.
“My boy,” she cried feebly, “you did like me, didn’t you?”
“Indeed I did, Cherie,” and Dick took the poor crushed form into his arms.
“I knew it,” she whispered looking at him lovingly. “Forgive me, Dick, that I used you so. I wanted you to think as I did.”
“It is all forgiven,” said the boy tenderly. “Here is Jeanne, Cherie. Have you no word for her?”
“No,” said Madame. “I never liked her. She was a child, but she took you from me, my boy.
“There is the property,” said Madame suddenly to Jeanne. “That Yankee General seized it in your name and declared that he should hold it for you. It was to pay us for putting it in your name. It is yours, but I want Dick to have it. Will you give it to him?”
“Yes,” answered Jeanne her tender heart very full of sympathy for her aunt’s sufferings. “I will do whatever you desire, dear Cherie.”