door unbolted, tell Lanrivain to make his escape, and hasten back
to her room. She had tried the bolt earlier in the evening, and
managed to put a little grease on it; but nevertheless, when she
drew it, it gave a squeak . . . not loud, but it made her heart
stop; and the next minute, overhead, she heard a noise. . .

"What noise?" the prosecution interposed.

"My husband's voice calling out my name and cursing me."

"What did you hear after that?"

"A terrible scream and a fall."

"Where was Herve de Lanrivain at this time?"

"He was standing outside in the court. I just made him out in
the darkness. I told him for God's sake to go, and then I pushed
the door shut."

"What did you do next?"

"I stood at the foot of the stairs and listened."

"What did you hear?"

"I heard dogs snarling and panting." (Visible discouragement of
the bench, boredom of the public, and exasperation of the lawyer
for the defense. Dogs again--! But the inquisitive Judge
insisted.)