A cloud of dust arose, while a cry of horror from a thousand voices filled the air.

Nearly all fled; only a few dashed toward the trench.

Maria Clara and Padre Salvi remained in their places, pale, motionless, and speechless.
When the dust had cleared away a little, they saw Ibarra standing among beams, posts, and cables, between the windlass and the heavy stone, which in its rapid descent had shaken and crushed everything.

The youth still held the trowel in his hand and was staring with frightened eyes at the body of a man which lay at his feet half-buried among the timbers.
"You're not killed! You're still alive! For God's sake, speak!" cried several employees, full of terror and solicitude.
"A miracle! A miracle!" shouted some.
"Come and extricate the body of this poor devil!" exclaimed Ibarra like one arousing himself from sleep.
On hearing his voice Maria Clara felt her strength leave her and fell half-fainting into the arms of her friends.
Great confusion prevailed.

All were talking, gesticulating, running about, descending into the trench, coming up again, all amazed and terrified.
"Who is the dead man?
Is he still alive ?" asked the alferez.
The corpse was identified as that of the yellowish individual who had been operating the windlass.
"Arrest the foreman on the work!" was the first thing that the alcalde was able to say.
They examined the corpse, placing their hands on the chest, but the heart had ceased to beat.