He was trembling with excitement.
"Is it true?
is it true ?" he asked, and the sweat stood out on his forehead.
"He sends this for Madelinette," answered the dwarf, handing over a little bag of gold to the girl, who drew back.

But Parpon went close to her, and gently forced it into her hands.
"Open it," he said.

She did so, and the blacksmith's eyes gloated on the gold.

Muroc and Duclosse drew near, and peered in also.

And so they stood there for a little while, all looking and exclaiming.
Presently Lajeunesse scratched his head.