Dr. de Rohan ran out from the sycamore, and knelt beside him. After a few seconds he looked up.
He did not speak, but every one knew what his eyes said. To make it unmistakable, he drew out his handkerchief and put it over the face of the dead man.
Alan was about to advance when Judik Kerbastiou plucked him by the sleeve.
"Hst! M'sieur Alan! There is Mamzelle Ynys returning! She will be here in another minute. She must not see what is there."
"You are right, Judik. I thank you."
With that he turned and moved swiftly down the leaf-hid path which would enable him to intercept Ynys.
"What is it, Alan?" she asked, with wondering eyes, the moment he was at her side. "What is it? Why are you so pale?"
"It is because of a duel that has been fought here. You must go back at once, dear. There are reasons why you...."
"Is my father one of the combatants? I know he is out of the château. Tell me quick! Is he wounded? Is he dead?"