Giulia felt a vague dread of the researches, and yet nothing could be found there save dust and ashes.
Suddenly Kuhl's cry was heard by the expectant crowd.
"A corpse!"
The cry, repeated more loudly, passed on to the very last person, all rushed nearer, in eager expectation.
"Baluzzi!" cried Giulia to herself, becoming pale, at that moment only a sensation of horror seized her. A half-charred, half-shattered corpse was carried towards them; the fact of its lying beneath the fallen rubbish of stones had preserved it from being completely burned. The half-consumed rags of garments showed that it was the corpse of a woman--of a girl.
Blanden went closer; suddenly an idea flashed through him, all that could still be recognised as the remains of a human being confirmed his supposition. The incendiary was discovered, it could be none other than half-witted Kätchen.
"It is the idiot girl who danced with deformed Pietrowicz yesterday!"
Pietrowicz came nearer and stared at the remains of his partner.
"A death-dance Pietrowicz! You never anticipated that! But from henceforth do not dream of ghosts!"
Pietrowicz stepped back as if struck, and crossed himself.