he is! How pale!" said the women; "he is the one who would
not confess."

"Dearest friend," said La Mole, "I cannot stand. Carry me!"

"Wait," said Coconnas.

He signed to the executioner, who stepped aside; then, stooping, he
lifted La Mole in his arms as if he were a child, and without faltering
carried his burden up the steps of the scaffold, where he put him down,
amid the frantic shouting and applause of the multitude. Coconnas raised
his hat and bowed. Then he threw the hat on the scaffold beside him.

"Look round," said La Mole, "do you not see them somewhere?"

Coconnas slowly glanced around the place, and, having reached a certain
point, without removing his eyes from it he laid his hand on his
friend's shoulder.

"Look," said he, "look at the window of that small tower!"

With his other hand he pointed out to La Mole the little building which
still stands at the corner of the Rue de la Vannerie and the Rue
Mouton,--a reminder of past ages.

Somewhat back from the window two women dressed in black were leaning
against each other.

"Ah!" said La Mole, "I feared only one thing, and that was to die
without seeing her again. I have seen her; now I can go."

And with his eyes riveted on the small window he raised the reliquary to
his lips and covered it with kisses.

Coconnas saluted the two women with as much grace as if he were in a
drawing-room. In response to this they waved their handkerchiefs bathed
in tears.

Caboche now touched Coconnas on the shoulder, and looked at him
significantly.

"Yes, yes," said the Piedmontese. Then turning to La Mole:

"Embrace me," said he, "and die like a man. This will not be hard for
you, my friend; you are so brave!"

"Ah!" said La Mole, "there will be no merit in my dying bravely,
suffering as I do."

The priest approached and held the crucifix before La Mole, who smiled
and pointed to the reliquary in his hand.

"Never mind," said the priest, "ask strength from Him who suffered what
you are about to suffer."

La Mole kissed the feet of the Christ.

"Commend me to the prayers of the nuns of the Avens Sainte Vierge."

"Make haste, La Mole," said Coconnas, "you cause me such suffering that
I feel myself growing weak."

"I am ready," said La Mole.

"Can you keep your head steady?" inquired Caboche, holding his sword
behind La Mole, who was on his knees.

"I hope so," said the latter.

"Then all will go well."

"But," said La Mole, "you will not