“Don’t waste time,” said Patrice, impatiently. “Get to Coralie.”

“I’ve told you Coralie was alive.”

“She was alive when you left her; but since then . . .”

“Yes, since then . . .”

“Since then, what? You seem to have your doubts.”

“It was last night, five or six hours ago, and I am afraid . . .”

Patrice felt a cold shudder run down his back. He would have given anything for a decisive word; and at the same time he was almost strangling the old man to punish him. He mastered himself, however:

“Don’t let’s waste time,” he repeated. “Tell me where to go.”

“No, we’ll go together.”

“You haven’t the strength.”