M. Havard intervened, and spoke to the chaplain.
"Really, sir, no: it is time."
Deibler nodded approval.
"Let us be quick; we can proceed; the sun has risen."
The Public Prosecutor was still bleating "Be brave! Be brave!"
Deibler took the man by one arm, a warder took him by the other, and between them they half-carried him to the office for his last toilette. In the little room, dimly lighted by a winking lamp, a chair had been set close to a table. The executioner and his assistant pushed the condemned man into the chair, and Deibler took up a pair of scissors.
The Public Prosecutor spoke to the prisoner.
"Would you like a glass of rum? Would you like a cigarette? Is there anything you wish to have done?"
Maître Barberoux, who had not arrived in time for the awakening of the prisoner, now approached his client; he, too, was ghastly white.
"Is there anything else that I can do for you? Have you any last wish?"