Paul was not the only person who heard the ominous sound. As he paused for a moment motionless with horror and alarm, the door of the apartment opposite to him was opened and Pauline Corsi stood upon the threshold.
She was not alone; close behind her appeared the pale face of Camillia Moraquitos.
Both the women were terribly agitated.
The Spanish girl endeavored to rush out upon the landing, but Pauline threw her arms about her and arrested her steps.
"Keep her back," she cried; "if you love her, keep her back, Paul, while I go and see what that sound means."
Paul obeyed; he led Camillia back into her own apartment, and endeavored to calm her agitation.
But in vain. She would not listen to his attempts at consolation; but implored him again and again to let her go to her father.
"I know that something dreadful has happened," she said; "you are all in league to deceive me. My father is in danger, and you are cruel enough to keep me from rushing to his side."
At this moment Pauline Corsi returned. The young man saw by her ghastly face that something terrible had indeed occurred.
"Come with me, Paul," she said; "you can see Don Juan now."