The man had staggered up against a railing in front of a house and his drooping attitude revealed to our hero that he was wounded.
"You are injured," said our hero.
"Yes, the cowards came upon me from behind and plunged their knives into me."
Oscar approached closer to the man and with a start that almost caused him to utter an unguarded exclamation he recognized the wounded man as Alphonse Donetti.
"You had better let me take you to a hospital."
"No, I am much obliged. I will not go to a hospital. I can take care of myself. If I live you will have saved my life, for they intended to finish me. I thank you for your intervention. I will be able to reach my home and will send for a surgeon."
"Permit me to call a carriage, and I will accompany you to your home."
The wounded man looked closely at our hero, saw that he was a gentleman, and said:
"Yes, I need some one to close my eyes. You appear to be a kind man; if it is not too much trouble secure a carriage."
Oscar did not have to go far before he found a carriage, and when he returned he found the young man still alive and apparently, under all the circumstances, singularly strong.