His face beamed with triumph. He waved his
sword, shouting:
"Victory! Victory!"
On seeing the wounded miller, who was endeavoring to comfort Francoise,
and noticing the body of Dominique, his joyous look changed to one
of sadness. Then he knelt beside the young man and, tearing open his
blouse, put his hand to his heart.
"Thank God!" he cried. "It is yet beating! Send for the surgeon!"
At the captain's words Francoise leaped to her feet.
"There is hope!" she cried. "Oh, tell me there is hope!"
At that moment the surgeon appeared. He made a hasty examination and
said:
"The young man is severely hurt, but life is not extinct; he can
be saved!" By the surgeon's orders Dominique was transported to a
neighboring cottage, where he was placed in bed. His wounds were
dressed; restoratives were administered, and he soon recovered
consciousness. When he opened his eyes he saw Francoise sitting beside
him and through the open window caught sight of Pere Merlier talking
with the French captain. He passed his hand over his forehead with a
bewildered air and said:
"They did not kill me after all!"
"No," replied Francoise. "The French came, and their surgeon saved you."
Pere Merlier turned and said through the window:
"No talking yet, my young ones!"
In due time Dominique was entirely restored, and when peace again
blessed the land he wedded his beloved Francoise.
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