They sought refuge together at the end of the room, expecting to see the door suddenly open, and the corpse of Camille fall on the floor.

As the sound continued, but more sharply and irregularly, they thought their victim must be tearing away the wood with his nails to get in.

For the space of nearly five minutes, they dared not stir.

Finally, a mewing was heard, and Laurent advancing, recognised the tabby cat belonging to Madame Raquin, which had been accidentally shut up in the room, and was endeavouring to get out by clawing at the door.
Francois, frightened by Laurent, sprang upon a chair at a bound.

With hair on end and stiffened paws, he looked his new master in the face, in a harsh and cruel manner.